Malik Beasley pleads not guilty to federal gambling charges

Former NBA player Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court to charges that he altered his performance in certain 2024 games to enrich sports bettors and reduce his own debts. Beasley, 29, answered a judge's questions with "yes, your honor" but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter the plea.

Goldman told reporters afterward that Beasley "wants to move on with his life" and is presumed innocent.

Charges and co-defendants The indictment alleges Beasley fixed or attempted to fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. In exchange, bettors allegedly reduced or eliminated debts Beasley owed to former NBA player Ed Davis.

Sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, also pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Zamorano's lawyer, Kenneth Breen, said the defense looks forward to its day in court. Both men were released on bond and are scheduled to return for a status conference in August. The charges are part of a larger federal gambling investigation that has resulted in more than three dozen arrests, including former Miami Heat star Terry Rozier and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups.