FBI’s NBA arrests prompt Trump warning from ESPN star

ESPN star Stephen A. Smith issued a warning about President Donald Trump after dozens of individuals, together with three NBA figures, had been arrested in a widespread FBI investigation into unlawful playing.

Corridor of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier and retired NBA participant Damon Jones had been amongst these arrested within the investigation that examined two separate alleged operations.

Smith gave his ideas on the arrests on ESPN’s “First Take” Thursday.

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President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary Basic Mark Rutte within the Oval Workplace of the White Home on October 22, 2025 in Washington. (AP Picture/Alex Brandon)

“You recognize what world we reside in with regards to politics. How usually does one incident occur after one other? Trump is coming,” Smith mentioned. ‘He is coming. I’ll say it once more on nationwide tv. … Bear in mind, Trump has an extended, lengthy historical past tied to the sports activities world, as a result of he had these casinos. The place do you suppose these individuals got here half the time? I am not speaking in regards to the people. I am speaking in regards to the tradition.

“Do not be shocked if the WNBA is subsequent on his checklist. As a result of whenever you’ve obtained all these protesters which have gone there and folks that have protested in opposition to him and no matter, this man is coming. He is coming. And I have been saying it for a very long time. To me, that is the final piece of proof that we’re speaking about right here. It is to not query the legitimacy of the case. We do not know. However anybody who’s been round him, everybody he is talked to Anybody who’s seen his reactions from the sports activities leagues and the positions individuals have taken aren’t shocked at what is going on on at present.”

Terry Rozier (3) of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles whereas being guarded by Bruce Brown (11) of the Indiana Pacers within the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Dec. 20, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Dylan Buell/Getty Photos)

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Smith mentioned athletes have had run-ins with regulation enforcement earlier than, however he hasn’t seen the FBI director become involved or maintain a press convention about investigations.

“It is not a coincidence. It is not an accident. It is a assertion. And it is a warning that there is extra to come back, and that is what they’re saying right here. … In (Trump’s) eyes, individuals tried to throw him in jail. In his eyes, he is harmless, they usually tried to place me behind bars. ‘I will get anybody.’ He is not enjoying.”

Smith added that he has spoken to individuals within the main sports activities leagues they usually informed him this scandal is “simply the tip of the iceberg.”

The NBA positioned Billups and Rozier on fast go away.

Chauncy Billups, head coach of the Portland Path Blazers, calls a play throughout the first half of a preseason sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on the Delta Heart on Oct. 16, 2025, in Salt Lake Metropolis. (Chris Gardner/Getty Photos)

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“We’re within the technique of reviewing the federal expenses introduced at present,” the league mentioned. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are instantly positioned on go away from their groups and we’ll proceed to cooperate with the related authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and the integrity of our sport stays our prime precedence.”

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