Malik Beasley isn’t done fighting, not for his reputation, not for his career, and certainly not for his future in the NBA. As federal investigators probe the Detroit Pistons guard’s alleged involvement in a gambling scandal tied to his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, the 27-year-old free agent is doing everything he can to stay locked in on what he still believes he does best: basketball.
Beasley recently took to Snapchat to deliver an emotional, fiery message to his critics, vowing that no matter what shadows hang over his name, he will return stronger.
“I feel like people turned their backs on me. Low-key, I mean, like, people were saying some crazy things in the media. If you go on my Instagram, you’ll see the craziest shit.”
“You know, people judge me. Have I made mistakes in my life? Yes. Am I proud of those mistakes? No.
“I’m human. But, you know, I know what I know. Like I said, my girl, summer continues, you know, until something else is done.”
“And I just gotta stay positive, stay low-key, stay grinding. I’ll tell you one thing, I got a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anybody in front of me. I’m ready to prove again that I belong in this league. You know, for those who know me, I work too hard. I work every day. I work. I put basketball before anything.”
Few would question his on-court ability. Beasley just completed the best season of his career with the Detroit Pistons in 2024–25, playing in all 82 games and averaging 16.3 points while shooting a career-best 41.6% from three.
His 319 made threes set a Pistons franchise record and helped spark Detroit’s first playoff appearance in six years. He finished second in the NBA in total three-pointers made and was the runner-up in Sixth Man of the Year voting. From a pure basketball perspective, Beasley absolutely belongs.
But the issue isn’t on the court, it’s off it.
Beasley is under federal investigation for alleged gambling violations, including possible prop bet manipulation during his time with the Bucks. Though no formal charges have been filed, the FBI’s involvement halted his free agency momentum instantly.
The Pistons, who were reportedly set to offer Beasley a three-year, $42 million deal, pulled the offer and instead signed Duncan Robinson. Beasley, as of early August, remains unsigned.
In addition to the gambling probe, Beasley is fighting a series of lawsuits and mounting debt. Court records reveal he owes over $8 million across various judgments and loans. He’s being sued by his former sports agency Hazan Sports Management, a barbershop in Wisconsin, a dentist in Minnesota, and even the luxury apartment complex he stayed at in Detroit.
His former agency claims Beasley defaulted on a $650,000 advance and now owes over $2 million. Another lender, South River Capital, was awarded a $5.8 million judgment back in 2021, most of which remains unpaid.
These debts, despite over $59 million in career NBA earnings, paint a stark picture. Beasley appears to be a case study in the dangers of financial mismanagement and the fallout that comes with off-court distractions. Even ESPN reported that Beasley’s Pistons paychecks were garnished earlier this year to repay some of his debts.
Whether Beasley’s redemption arc materializes in Detroit or elsewhere will likely depend on the outcome of the federal probe. But one thing is certain: the sharpshooter is not going quietly. And if he does get another chance, he’s promising to make it count.
