Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley was fresh off a career resurgence and received a massive contract extension is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly placing illegal sports prop bets, including bets on NBA games he was involved in.
Beasley, 28, signed with Detroit last summer on a one-year, $6 million “prove-it” deal after a solid season in Milwaukee during the 2023-2024 NBA season.
He delivered: averaging over 14 points per game and shooting nearly 40% from deep and taking second place for 3s made in 2024-2025, he earned a four-year, $60 million extension from Detroit in June 2025 after testing free agency.
Now, barely a month later, that extension has reportedly been voided by the Pistons pending investigation and his NBA and financial future in jeopardy.
The Allegations
Sources close to the investigation say the FBI uncovered evidence that Beasley placed bets on NBA games, including games he played in, using third parties and offshore accounts to disguise his involvement.
This violates both federal law and NBA gambling policy which bans players from betting on NBA, WNBA, G-League, Summer League, or any basketball event the NBA oversees.
The league has confirmed it is cooperating with federal authorities per the Pat MacAfee Show/ESPN.
From $60 Million to Zero
Beasley’s extension with the Pistons: 4 years, $60M, fully guaranteed (all NBA contracts are) was meant to secure his family’s financial future and validate his comeback story.
Now the contract has reportedly been voided pending investigation. If the allegations hold up, Beasley could:
- Lose all guaranteed money from the extension.
- Forfeit the remainder of his $6 million from the one-year deal if banned mid-season.
- Face fines, legal fees, and potentially restitution orders if convicted federally.
- Be banned from the NBA for life.
A man who just signed on for $60 million could walk away from the game with nothing but debts and a ruined name.
Why Risk It?
Beasley isn’t the first athlete to gamble with his career, but his story underscores the danger of living beyond your means and chasing shortcuts.
Those close to the situation say Beasley carried significant personal debts and had already leveraged future contract earnings (article 4 dives deeper into this) to repay loans.
When a man’s back is against the wall financially, and he hasn’t mastered discipline, he’ll justify even the most reckless choices.
What You Can Learn
Beasley had everything from youth, talent, and a second chance, but he lacked the foundation to sustain it. For every athlete reading this:
✅ Don’t spend money you don’t have, expecting tomorrow to cover today.
✅ Learn the rules of the game you’re playing in both life and in business.
✅ Protect your name. It’s worth more than any dollar amount.
What’s Next?
Beasley faces:
- A potential federal indictment.
- Voided NBA contract.
- League ban.
- Jail time if convicted.
Because the fall doesn’t stop with one mistake. It cascades.
🔗Next Reads
- Pistons’ Malik Beasley Leveraged Future NBA Earnings to Pay Off Debts
- Inside the House v. NCAA Settlement and Its Impact on College Sports
- Luka Dončić Lost $345 Million: How the Lakers Trade Cost Him a Supermax
- Top 5 Sports Betting States in 2025
- Paolo Banchero’s $239 Million Contract Extension
Credits
Written by: Aidan Anderson
Research and Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
Sources: FBI Public Records, NBA CBA, APSM proprietary analysis.
Featured Image: Public Domain / Instagram
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute as professional advice.
“‘Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
– Psalm 54:4
Apostle Sports Media 