Stephen A. Smith’s Warning About Trump and Sports Following FBI Gambling Probe
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has issued a stark warning about former President Donald Trump’s potential influence in the wake of a major FBI gambling investigation that has rocked the sports world. The widespread probe has resulted in dozens of arrests, including prominent NBA figures Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and retired player Damon Jones. Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith connected these arrests to what he perceives as a politically motivated crackdown that may be just beginning, particularly targeting those who have opposed Trump.
The gambling investigation spans two separate operations and has sent shockwaves through professional sports. In response to the arrests, the NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on immediate leave of absence, stating, “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.” The league has committed to cooperating with authorities as the investigation unfolds, recognizing the serious nature of the charges against individuals connected to their organization.
Smith’s commentary went beyond merely discussing the current investigation, suggesting a deeper connection to Trump’s history with the sports world through his former casino ownership. “Trump has a long, long history connected to the world of sports because he had those casinos. Where do you think those folks were coming half the time?” Smith remarked on national television. He emphasized that he wasn’t targeting specific individuals but rather highlighting what he sees as a cultural pattern that’s now being scrutinized through a political lens, potentially as retribution.
Perhaps most provocatively, Smith warned that the WNBA could be “next on his list,” referring to Trump’s potential targets for investigation. This prediction stems from Smith’s observation of the numerous protests against Trump from WNBA players and organizations. “When you got all of these protesters that have been going out there and people who have been protesting against him… this man is coming,” Smith declared. He portrayed the current investigation as just one piece of evidence in what he believes could be a broader campaign targeting Trump’s critics in the sports world.
Smith also noted what he considers unusual about this investigation compared to previous scandals involving athletes. “I haven’t seen the FBI director get involved or hold a press conference about investigations,” he observed, suggesting the high-profile nature of these arrests is intentional. Smith characterized the FBI’s approach as “not coincidental” but rather “a statement” and “a warning that more is coming.” He further implied that Trump views these actions through the lens of his own legal troubles, thinking, “In his eyes, folks tried to throw him in jail… ‘I’m getting everybody.’ He’s not playing.”
According to Smith, his conversations with sources in major sports leagues indicate that this gambling scandal represents “just the tip of the iceberg.” While careful not to question the legitimacy of the current case, Smith framed the investigation within a larger context of potential political retribution. His warning serves as a controversial perspective on the intersection of sports, law enforcement, and politics at a time when the lines between these domains appear increasingly blurred. As the investigation continues to unfold, the sports world watches closely to see if Smith’s predictions about further crackdowns will materialize.
