Ex-NBA Star Sells Autographed Jerseys While Facing Fraud Charges

Former NBA player Malik Beasley recently hosted a TikTok livestream, spending several hours selling autographed jerseys. Beasley currently faces several federal charges connected to a gambling scandal that has led to more than three dozen arrests. According to the athlete’s attorney, he plans to plead guilty to intentionally manipulating his statistics to skew betting odds. The Athlete’s Auction Appeared Successful Beasley surprised fans by holding an impromptu auction on TikTok, aiming to sell a significant portion of the game-worn jerseys he used throughout his career. This even included a Denver Nuggets shirt from his first few years as an NBA freshman. Beasley promised to sign each successful purchase and put the buyer’s name on them. I sign them. Yes. If you don’t believe me, these are signed. Once you get it, I will sign them myself and put your name on it. Malik Beasley Notably, the former NBA star refused to part with his Timberwolves jersey, stating that he had personal plans for it. Despite, or maybe because of, Beasley’s infamy, the auction appeared to be a success as he made many successful sales. Notably, he was trading for the items using Galaxies, TikTok’s virtual gift system. Each Galaxy is worth 1,000 TikTok coins, or roughly between $10 and $15. While many viewers during the stream expressed genuine interest in the items, comments on social media were less kind. Many viewers noted that the auction hinted at desperation and mocked Beasley’s gambling past. However, many were also sympathetic, remarking that one of the NBA’s most famous and best-paid players had been reduced to pawning off memorabilia for Galaxies. He Could Enter a Guilty Plea Beasley’s auction hints at a potentially unstable financial situation. He reportedly lost significant sums to gambling, even reportedly borrowing money from his former teammate to pay out millions of dollars in debts. Some of Beasley’s financial troubles have also included disputes with a Detroit landlord, a Milwaukee barber, and a Minnesota dentist. Beasley’s gambling-related case is still pending. In October, his lawyer indicated the former NBA star would plead guilty, likely hoping to secure a lighter sentence. Beasley faces federal charges of bribery in sporting contests, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Even with a guilty plea, Beasley could still face several years in prison. His next hearing in Brooklyn federal court is scheduled for December 9, when he is expected to enter his plea. While Beasley appeared optimistic and enthusiastic on stream, his situation remains perilous, showing how no one is immune to gambling addiction and its dire consequences.