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ESPN star Stephen A. Smith issued a warning about President Donald Trump after dozens of people, including three NBA figures, were arrested as part of a sweeping 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 spanned two separate operations.
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President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Smith gave his opinion on the arrests on ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday.
“You know what a world we live in in terms of politics. How many times with one incident after another? Trump is coming,” Smith said. “It’s coming. I’m going to repeat it on national television. … Remember, Trump has a very long history tied to the sports world because he had these casinos. Where do you think these people were coming from half the time? I’m not talking about individuals. I’m talking about culture. …
“Don’t be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list. Because when you have all these protesters that came out and the people that protested him and everything else, this man is coming. He’s coming. And I’ve been saying this for a long time. To me, this is the last nugget of evidence that we’re talking about here. It’s not about questioning the legitimacy of the matter – we don’t know that. But anyone who has been around him. Anyone who has spoken. to him. Anyone who has seen his reactions in sports leagues and the positions people take are not surprised at what is happening today. »
Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball while being guarded by Bruce Brown #11 of the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 20, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
HOW CHAUNCEY BILLUPS AND DAMON JONES WERE USED TO MIND VICTIMS FROM ILLEGAL POKER GAMES
Smith said athletes have gotten in trouble with law enforcement 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 other things are coming and that’s what they’re saying here. … In (Trump’s) eyes, people tried to throw him in jail. In his eyes, he’s innocent and they tried to put me behind bars. ‘I catch everyone.’ He’s not playing.”
Smith added that he has spoken to people in major sports leagues and they have told him this scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The NBA has placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave.
Head coach Chauncy Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers calls a play during the first half of their preseason game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
“We are reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are immediately placed on leave from their teams and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
