Malik Beasley, a former NBA player and ex-reinforcement for the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), has pleaded not guilty to charges of manipulating games in the 2024 season to benefit sports bettors and alleviate his own debts. Beasley's lawyer, Jason Goldman, stated that his client wants to move forward with his life and is eager to defend himself. Beasley, 29, played for six NBA teams over nine years but missed the last season due to the investigation.
He played for the Cangrejeros in Puerto Rico, a team partly owned by rapper Bad Bunny. Beasley and sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, were among six people charged in a formal indictment made public this week. They are the latest accused in a crackdown on illegal gaming that has led to over three dozen arrests, including former NBA players Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups.
Beasley and Zamorano were released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court again. Goldman emphasized that Beasley is presumed innocent and is looking forward to his day in court.