Full Breakdown
Former NBA Players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis Indicted in Sports-Betting Scheme
6/30/2026, 2:32:18 PM
Indictment Overview
On June 24, 2024 a Brooklyn grand jury indicted former NBA guard Malik Beasley and former forward Ed Davis, and four co-defendants—William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia and agent Paolo Zamorano—on wire-fraud, bribery, honest-services fraud and money-laundering charges. Prosecutors allege Beasley, while with the Bucks in 2023-24, agreed to manipulate statistical props for bribes that reduced his gambling debts to Davis, allowing the group to place winning bets.
Background & Context
The case follows a federal sweep that has charged former players Jontay Porter, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and Hall-of-Famer Chauncey Billups. Legalized betting since 2018 has spurred scrutiny of insider schemes that threaten league integrity.
Key Figures
Beasley earned about $60 million and made 319 three-pointers in 2024-25; Davis earned about $48 million. Co-defendants Brown, Gorodetsky and Plascencia were bettors; Zamorano was Beasley’s agent.
Timeline of Alleged Fixes
Between Jan 26 and Mar 21 2024, prosecutors say Beasley communicated with Davis about fixing three Bucks games: under-performing rebounds vs. Cleveland (Jan 26), under-performing points and over-performing rebounds vs. Charlotte (Feb 27), over-performing rebounds vs. Los Angeles (Mar 10). The scheme collapsed on Mar 21 when Beasley failed to meet an under-rebounds bet.
Financial Scope and Impact
Prosecutors cite a $21,228 bet that netted $14,013.88 and a $25,000 wager that yielded $77,200, noting “fraudulent wagers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Officials say the scheme “erodes the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public.” The NBA pledged cooperation and said protecting game integrity remains its top priority.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said the defendants “turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation.” FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr. called it an illegal betting ring. NBA spokesperson Michael Bass said the league will protect the game’s integrity.
Criticism & Opposition
Beasley’s lawyer Steve Haney called the indictment a “one-sided charging document” and urged the public to reserve judgment. No NBA disciplinary action announced.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some sources say the case is not directly linked to earlier NBA gambling indictments; the specific sportsbooks remain undisclosed and the league has not ruled on rule violations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An indictment is not proof of guilt or evidence. It is merely a charge of probable cause,” — Steve Haney, Beasley’s attorney
- “We will continue to investigate this matter and cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.” — Michael Bass, NBA spokesperson
- “turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation.” — Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney
- “These defendants allegedly operated an illegal betting ring in an attempt to unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars.” — James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI Assistant Director
What's Next
The six defendants will be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court in the coming weeks. The NBA says it will continue cooperating with investigators as the broader gambling probe proceeds.
