Malik Beasley No Longer Target of Gambling Probe, But Could Still Face Charges

Malik Beasley’s Attorney, Steve Haney, has claimed his client is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation. However, Haney admitted Beasley could still face charges, and is still listed as a “subject” in the case.

“Malik is not charged, not indicted and not a target of the investigation, but he’s unemployed because of it,” Haney told The Detroit News on Friday.

“It is flat-out un-American to be deprived of the right to work based on a mere allegation. Hopefully, this gives some new hope to his situation of being gainfully employed in the new year.”

When asked if the player could still face charges, Haney replied: “I have no idea. That is the frustrating thing. You live in a state of purgatory with a cloud hanging over your head for what? Forever? And you’re out of the league and can never play basketball again?”

Beasley Suffering From Allegations

Beasley had been poised to sign a 3-year deal with the Detroit Pistons before news of the investigation broke. The contract was reportedly worth $42 million, and the free agent is suffering financially.

After failing to pay rent, he was evicted from his Detroit apartment earlier this month. His former agency is also suing him for $2 million for breach of contract.

The financial troubles do not appear to be too extreme, however. When the eviction notice was issued, Beasley appeared to be on holiday in Europe. His Snapchat account shows posts in Amsterdam, Belgium, and Paris at the start of the month.

Other posts show he is continuing to train as a free agent, hoping a team will come in. The Pistons have now used up the funds that would have paid for Beasley’s salary on Caris LeVert, but may still be able to offer a lower one-year deal.

Haney still held out hope for a deal with Detroit, commenting: “He’s a great guy. He was a great Piston. He was great for the city. Hopefully, people can remember what a great teammate he was. And maybe there is a pathway for him to return to Detroit.”

Other teams might be interested now that Beasley is no longer a target of the investigation. But the lack of clarity on whether he will eventually face charges could put potential suitors off.

Sports Betting Scandals Will Only Get Worse

As Beasley’s career has been put on hold amid the allegations, Michael Porter Jr. has warned that the scandals will only get worse.

Porter is the brother of Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to charges of feeding information about his injury status to bettors. Particularly when players and their friends are facing financial struggles, such as in Beasley’s case, Porter said spot fixing is likely to increase.

Speaking on a podcast recently, he said: “Think about it, if you could get all your homies rich by telling them, ‘Yo, bet $10,000 on my under this one game. I’m going to act like I’ve got an injury, and I’m going sit out. I’m going to come out after three minutes… And they all get a little bag because you did it one game.”