Suns: Beasley Going Eagle

[baseline bum]

Michael Beasley is under investigation for sexual assault
By Eric Freeman | Ball Don't Lie – Tue, May 7, 2013 6:25 PM EDT

Phoenix Suns forward Michael Beasley has done very little to convince NBA fans of his usefulness over his five NBA seasons. Despite entering the league with the hopes of being a very productive scorer and rebounder, Beasley has alternated isolated moments of greatness with long stretches of woeful, directionless play in which he appears to have little sense of his role within the team or what the coaching staff would like him to do. He also hasn't been a model citizen, dealing with a perceived marijuana problem and getting cited for flagrant speeding in February 2013. There is a common and largely accurate perception that Beasley is not a particularly helpful presence on a professional basketball team.

Ultimately, though, those issues are far less severe than the news coming out of Phoenix on Tuesday. As reported by Alex Ferri of ABC15, Beasley is under investigation for an allegation of sexual assault:

The Scottsdale Police Department confirmed Tuesday that they are investigating an allegation of sexual assault against Phoenix Suns player Michael Beasley. The incident reportedly took place on January 13.

“At this point we can only say the investigation is ongoing,” said David Pubins, Scottsdale police spokesman. “We are interviewing those involved and processing any physical evidence we may have to try and determine if criminal charges are appropriate.”

It must be said that there is as yet no report that charges will be brought — this is an allegation and an investigation, not an arrest or trial. The public should not judge Beasley, because there are as yet no facts or details to be judged.

Nevertheless, this is pretty clearly bad news for Beasley even if nothing comes of the allegation. His reputation is low enough as is — a serious legal investigation won't do anything to help him. The Suns are entering a new era with recently hired general manager Ryan McDonough, and Beasley is now involved in one of the worst things possible for an athlete (or even just a person). He is due more than $12 million over the next two seasons and is thus very tough to trade as anything other than a makeweight, but this is the kind of story that could cause the Suns to decide that it's worth paying Beasley not to be present.

Of course, the implications of this news could go well beyond the sports world if these allegations become charges. We'll have more updates as the story develops.

[baseline bum]

Suns fans hoping for the conviction to get out of that contract?

[JMarkJohns]

I hope justice is served and he's convicted of robbing 6 million from the Suns last year.

[Double-Up]

I hope justice is served and he's convicted of robbing 6 million from the Suns last year.

If anything your GM should be charged with aiding and abetting...

[JMarkJohns]

GM has been canned for his part. Real criminal still on the loose!

[whitemamba]

I hope justice is served and he's convicted of robbing 6 million from the Suns last year.

[baseline bum]

LOL Sarver

PG Steve Nash
SG Joe Johnson
SF Andre Iguodala
PF Amare Stoudemire
C Kurt Thomas
6 Rajon Rondo

Even Pringles could have rang with that team

[JMarkJohns]

Throw in Marion, and a few other quality draft picks and signings and it would be hard to argue that if Sarver were Mark Cuban, Suns could have had 2/3 les. Spurs were always tough.

[DMC]

Throw in Marion, and a few other quality draft picks and signings and it would be hard to argue that if Sarver were Mark Cuban, Suns could have had 2/3 les. Spurs were always tough.

They might have gotten one, but then he would have blown up the team the following year to save 10m.

Cuban that is.

[JMarkJohns]

In Cubans defense, I don't think most foresaw Williams sticking with Jersey. Unlike the Mavs post le, Suns would have had several prime all-star pieces for longevity.

I'm still certain a spending Sarver and dimbass D'Antoni screw it up.