NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
ESPN star Stephen A. Smith offered a warning about President Donald Trump after dozens of people, including three NBA figures, were arrested in a wide-ranging FBI probe 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, which spanned two separate operations.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
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 offered his opinion on the arrests on ESPN’s “First Take” Thursday.
“You know the world we live in in terms of politics. How many times with one incident after another? Trump is coming,” Smith said. “He’s coming. I’ll say it again on national television. … Remember, Trump has a long, long history associated with the world of sports 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 going out there and people that have protested him and what have you, this man is coming. He’s coming. And I’ve been saying that for a long time. To me, this is the latest piece of evidence that we’re talking about right here. But we don’t know that about the legitimacy of the case. We don’t know that. who’s been around him. Anyone who’s talked with him. Anyone who’s seen his reactions from the sports leagues and the positions people have taken, they’re not surprised by what’s happening today.”
Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball while being guarded by Bruce Brown #11 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 20, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
HOW CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, DAMON JONES WERE ALLEGEDLY USED TO FORCE VICTIMS INTO ILLEGAL POKER GAMES
Smith said athletes have run into trouble with law enforcement before, but he hasn’t seen the FBI director get involved or hold a press conference about the investigation.
“It’s not an accident. It’s not an accident. It’s a statement. And it’s a warning that there’s more to come, and that’s what they’re saying here. … In (Trump’s) eyes, people tried to put him in jail. In his eyes, he’s innocent, and they tried to put me behind bars. ‘I’m getting everybody’. He’s not playing.”
Smith added that he has spoken to people in the 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 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 in the process of reviewing the federal charges announced today,” the league said. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. We take these allegations very seriously and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
