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ESPN star Stephen A. Smith offered a warning about President Donald Trump after dozens of people, including three NBA figures, were arrested in a widespread FBI investigation into illegal gambling.
Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and retired NBA player Damon Jones were among those arrested in the investigation that investigated two separate alleged operations.
Smith offered his opinion on the arrests on ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday.
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President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House on October 22, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“You know what world we live in in terms of politics. How many times with one incident after another? Trump comes,” Smith said. “He’s coming. I’m going to say it on national television again… Remember, Trump has a long, long history connected to the sports world because he had those casinos. Where do you think those people came half the time? I’m not talking about the individuals. I’m talking about the culture.
“Don’t be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list. Because when you have all these protesters that have been coming out and people that have been protesting against him and all that, this guy is coming. He’s coming. And I’ve been saying it for a long time. To me, this is the last nugget of evidence that we’re talking about here. It’s not to question the legitimacy of the case. We don’t know. But anyone who was around him, anyone who spoke to him. For him, anyone who If you’ve seen their reactions in sports leagues and the positions people have taken, you’re not surprised by what’s happening today.
Terry Rozier (3) of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles while being guarded by Bruce Brown (11) of the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
HOW CHAUNCEY BILLUPS AND DAMON JONES WERE USED TO FORCE VICTIMS TO PARTICIPATE IN ILLEGAL POKER GAMES
Smith said athletes have gotten in trouble with authorities before, but he hasn’t seen the FBI director get involved or hold a news conference about the investigations.
“It’s not a coincidence. It’s not an accident. It’s a statement. And it’s a warning that more is coming, and that’s what they’re saying here… In (Trump’s) eyes, people tried to put him in jail. In their eyes, he’s innocent, and they tried to put me behind bars. ‘I’m getting everyone.’ He’s not playing.”
Smith added that he has spoken to people in major sports leagues and they told him this scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The NBA placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncy Billups makes a play during the first half of a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Oct. 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups will be immediately released from their teams and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
