Former NBA Players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis Indicted in NBA Gambling Scandal

A federal grand jury has indicted former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis in a major sports gambling case. Prosecutors say Beasley intentionally changed his performance during several Milwaukee Bucks games in 2024 so Davis and others could win player-prop bets.

The indictment, unsealed on June 29, names six defendants. It is the latest development in one of the biggest sports betting investigations involving professional basketball.

The Alleged Scheme: Gambling Debts and Prop Bets

According to prosecutors, the plan began because Beasley had large gambling debts. Despite earning millions during his NBA career, investigators say he lost millions through gambling and borrowed money from Davis.

In return, prosecutors allege Beasley agreed to manipulate certain game statistics that are commonly used in player-prop betting markets on sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

The indictment also includes a 2023 text message from Davis to Beasley that read: “Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting. We can make some good money.” Prosecutors say the first fixed game happened about a month later.

Game-by-Game: What Prosecutors Allege, and The Broader Federal Investigation

Federal prosecutors identified four games from the 2023-24 NBA season that they believe were affected.

During a January 6 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Beasley allegedly aimed to finish with fewer than 3.5 rebounds and recorded only one.

In a February 27 game against the Charlotte Hornets, prosecutors say he agreed to score fewer than 12.5 points while grabbing more than 3.5 rebounds. He finished with six points and four rebounds.

Another game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10 allegedly required him to reach four rebounds. Beasley secured his fourth rebound with just one second left.

Prosecutors say the plan did not always work. In a March 21 game against the Brooklyn Nets, Beasley allegedly was supposed to stay under his rebound target but finished with six rebounds, well above his season average of 3.7.

The Beasley and Davis indictment is part of a much larger federal investigation.

Authorities have already charged more than 30 people, including alleged members of organized crime groups. Investigators say one operation involved fixing high-stakes poker games, while another focused on using inside NBA information to beat sportsbooks.

Current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former player Damon Jones have also been linked to related cases in this NBA gambling scandal.

Earlier this year, Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in schemes involving DraftKings, FanDuel, and poker players.

The NBA’s Response and Legal Status

The NBA said it is fully cooperating with federal investigators.

League spokesman Mike Bass said the league takes the allegations “with the utmost seriousness” and that protecting the integrity of the game remains a top priority.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said bribery and insider betting schemes damage public trust in sports.

As of Monday, Beasley had not been arrested. Davis was taken into custody and was scheduled to appear in federal court in Brooklyn. Lawyers for both men had not publicly responded to the charges.

What’s Next

The federal case is expected to move forward in the coming months while the NBA continues its own investigation.

The Milwaukee Bucks have not commented publicly. Because the wider investigation already involves active players and a current NBA coach, prosecutors could file additional charges as the case continues.

The investigation also raises new concerns about player-prop betting, a market that handles billions of dollars in wagers each year. If the allegations are proven, the case could lead to stronger efforts to protect the integrity of sports betting.