The ‘hidden face’ of Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley is back in the eye of the storm. Since ESPN journalist Shams Charania reported that the American player could be involved in a shady sports betting scheme, scandal after scandal has followed in his wake.

Beasley’s career unraveling as court cases mount

According to documents obtained by The Detroit News, the shooting guard has racked up more than $8 million in debt, owed to a marketing agency, a loan firm, a landlord, a barbershop – and even a dentist.

One of the most serious cases is a lawsuit filed in April by Hazan Sports Management Group, his former New York-based representation agency. The company is seeking $2.25 million from Beasley for failing to repay a $650,000 advance it gave him based on future image rights earnings. He cut ties with the agency in February, and since then, Hazan has tried to recoup the money, but has only received sporadic payments and broken promises of eventual reimbursement.

The suit was filed in federal court in New York – more than three years after South River Capital, a firm that specializes in loans to pro athletes, won a $5.8 million judgment against Beasley in Maryland. At the time, he was playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Roughly $1.13 million of that debt was paid off in early 2023. However, last summer, Beasley took out yet another loan from a Florida-based lender, using his current and future NBA contracts as collateral.

Though more recent cases involve smaller sums, they’ve also ended up in court. In January, Cairo Cuts – a Milwaukee barbershop known for its NBA clientele – won a $26,827 judgment against him. Not long after, Minnesota-based dentist Hassan Alshehabi, of Delicate Smiles clinic, was awarded $34,390. Since February, Alshehabi has been garnishing Beasley’s paychecks from the Detroit Pistons. The debt remains active, according to court records.

Beasley’s debts reveal the dark side of NBA wealth

In March, Beasley was also sued in Detroit’s 36th District Court for failing to pay $14,150 in rent at The Stott, a downtown high-rise. That case was dismissed at the end of the month. However, just weeks later, he was sued again – this time for $7,355 in unpaid rent. A hearing is set for July 15.

The wave of negative press has prompted the Pistons to withdraw a 3-year, $42 million contract extension that had been on the table. Over nine NBA seasons, Beasley has earned close to $60 million. He is currently a free agent.

Last season, he signed a one-year, $6 million deal with Detroit and played a pivotal role in the team’s turnaround. He averaged 16 points per game and hit more than 600 three-pointers – a mark matched only by Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry. He finished second in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.

How this story will unfold remains to be seen. Beasley’s professional future hangs by a thread.

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