ESPN star Stephen A. Smith issued a warning regarding President Donald Trump after dozens of people, including three NBA figures, were arrested in a widespread FBI illegal gambling probe. The arrests, which occurred in a probe of two separate alleged operations, have sparked significant discussion across sports and political circles. Among those arrested were Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and retired NBA player Damon Jones. These individuals were reportedly involved in an alleged scheme that included coercing victims into illegal poker games, according to ongoing investigations.
Smith, who regularly voices his opinions on national television, aired his concerns during an episode of *First Take*, a show known for its strong and often contentious viewpoints. He emphasized the possibility of Trump’s involvement in the probe, pointing to his long-standing connections with the sports gambling industry. While it is important to distinguish between speculation and factual evidence, Smith’s comments have added another layer of public scrutiny to the case. He suggested that Trump’s history with sports betting and his past disputes with critics could be seen as motivations for the probe, despite the lack of direct proof.
Smith also expressed surprise at the involvement of the FBI in the case, stating that he has not observed such high-profile involvement in similar investigations before. This, he argued, could be a ‘statement’ from Trump, who he believes is intent on ‘getting everybody’ in his sights. The NBA, in response to the arrests, has placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave of absence, indicating the league’s seriousness about the situation. The league’s statement underscored its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game and cooperating with authorities.
Additionally, Smith mentioned that the scandal may not be an isolated incident, as he has spoken to representatives from major sports leagues who believe the situation is ‘just the tip of the iceberg.’ His comments have prompted broader discussions about the role of political influence in law enforcement investigations, particularly when they involve public figures and high-profile individuals. The ongoing investigation continues to attract public attention, as it remains unclear whether the allegations against the NBA figures are credible and whether Trump’s potential involvement can be substantiated.