NEW YORK — Malik Beasley, a prominent NBA free agent and currently the subject of a federal investigation concerning gambling allegations, is also facing legal challenges from his former marketing agency. Hazan Sports Management Group has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, claiming that Beasley breached a marketing contract.
The lawsuit was initiated on April 18, just one day before Beasley and the Detroit Pistons began their playoff series against the New York Knicks. Hazan Sports negotiated a one-year, $6 million contract for Beasley with the Pistons last summer. In April, Beasley terminated his agreement with Hazan and enlisted the services of Seros Partners, in violation of a four-year exclusive marketing contract, according to the suit.
Hazan is seeking $1 million in damages along with a $650,000 advance that was previously provided to Beasley, which includes outstanding commissions and expenses. As of a June 11 filing, both parties are reportedly working toward an out-of-court settlement.
Attempts to reach Hazan Sports for a statement went unanswered, and Beasley’s attorney has not been identified in the legal documents. His representative, Steve Haney, noted that he is not involved in the lawsuit, but did comment on the federal gambling investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is currently investigating Beasley for potential violations related to gambling on games. Haney, reflecting on the investigation, emphasized that many clients have faced federal inquiries without ever being charged, urging the public to reserve judgment.
This investigation into Beasley follows a prior case involving Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors, who was banned after being implicated in a betting scandal and subsequently pled guilty to wire fraud. Similarly, Terry Rozier, formerly of the Charlotte Hornets and now with the Miami Heat, was reported to be under scrutiny for his involvement in unusual betting activities during a game in March 2023, although he has not faced any legal repercussions.
Porter’s case involved allegations that he had shared his health status with bettors prior to a game, leading to an $80,000 bet that could have netted $1.1 million for a gambler.
Beasley had hoped to capitalize on his successful season as he signed with the Pistons. He achieved a franchise record of 319 three-pointers in a single season and contributed to the team’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, breaking a 15-game postseason losing streak against the Knicks. Over the past season, Beasley averaged 16.3 points per game and has a career average of 11.7 points across stints with various teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers.
After being drafted 19th overall in 2016, Beasley played for Florida State before making his mark in the NBA. His hope was to secure a lucrative new contract this summer after a standout year.
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