Stephen A. Smith Claims Trump Is Behind NBA Betting Arrests on Disney-Owned ESPN TV — FBI Director Fires Back

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Early Wednesday, news emerged of significant arrests connected to illegal sports betting and fixed poker games involving organized crime – a story that feels like it belongs in a movie. Sports journalist Stephen A. Smith reports that these arrests are actually the result of Donald Trump seeking revenge against the NBA.

The FBI arrested over 30 people in connection with a fraud and money laundering scheme, including NBA players Terry Rozier and Damon Jones, as well as Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. They are all anticipated to face charges related to conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

The Justice Department says the investigation started four years ago, before Trump left office. However, the special counsel believes the recent arrests are related to what’s happening now.

“Just the Tip of the Iceberg”

Soon after the FBI announced the arrests in a press conference led by Kash Patel, Smith appeared on ESPN’s First Take and claimed the NBA arrests were directed by Donald Trump.

He stated he’s well aware of the current political climate. He’s repeatedly predicted Donald Trump’s return to prominence, and he intends to make that prediction publicly again.

Stephen A. Smith believes Donald Trump might turn his attention to the WNBA, following his recent criticisms of the NFL (regarding Bad Bunny) and the NBA (regarding gambling).

“Trump is coming. He’s coming.”

(🎥 @FirstTake / h/t @awfulannouncing )

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 23, 2025

Smith explained that with all the ongoing protests against him, this person is arriving.

Look, this isn’t really the place to explain everything, but I’ve been predicting this all along. He’s going to react, and it’s because he genuinely believes people are trying to put him behind bars. He sees himself as a completely innocent man, and that’s driving everything.

Smith believes Trump is using prosecutions of athletes to send a message: that he’ll pursue legal action against anyone he targets, no matter how prominent they are.

Smith admitted they’re unsure what will happen next, but believes this is only the beginning, potentially spreading to leagues like the WNBA and NFL. He urged people to prepare, stating that more developments are on the way.

Although a morning sports show wasn’t the best place to discuss these issues, some Disney and ESPN executives might be relieved the problem didn’t escalate further.

Not a Jimmy Kimmel Repeat

Unlike broadcast television, ESPN isn’t subject to the same regulations as networks overseen by the FCC, which recently led to scrutiny of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for inaccurate statements. Additionally, Stephen A. Smith didn’t make any firm claims, so he probably won’t face legal consequences. However, it’s worth remembering that public and advertiser backlash was what temporarily took Kimmel off the air, and Smith could experience a similar reaction.

Disney has faced repeated issues with the Trump administration. For example, in November 2024, the hosts of ABC’s The View (which Disney owns) read disclaimers during a single episode to protect themselves from potential lawsuits related to comments about Trump’s nominees. Later, in December 2024, Disney paid $15 million, plus $1 million in legal fees, due to false statements made by George Stephanopoulos on ABC News’ This Week.

If Disney wanted to stay out of the spotlight with the current administration, Smith’s remarks actually brought even more attention to the company.

Patel Fires Back – Smith Reacts

On Thursday evening, FBI director Kash Patel responded to comments made by Smith during an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle.

Honestly, I was completely floored by what Patel said. He called it “the single dumbest thing” he’d ever heard, and that’s saying something considering he spends most of his time in Washington D.C.! He was making it very clear that he’s the one making the decisions about arrests, not anyone else.

FBI Director Kash Patel is responding to comments made by Stephen A. Smith, asserting that the recent NBA gambling investigation was actually retaliation ordered by former President Trump due to the NBA’s perceived liberal political stance.

That’s quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard a lot in my life…

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 23, 2025

A short time later, Smith took to X, sharing the clip from Fox News and clarifying his stance.

Let’s be clear: I’ve never hidden the fact that the FBI has been investigating this for years,” Smith stated. “I’m not offering any opinion on whether the investigation is justified – I simply don’t have all the facts. What I am saying is, don’t expect the President to show any leniency to anyone involved. And I continue to believe that’s the likely outcome. That’s everything I have to say on the matter.

Fans of sports and true crime might be fascinated by the story of coaches and players supposedly using the Mafia to move illegal funds. Whether the author focuses on Donald Trump will determine if this becomes a captivating political story or a predictable one.

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2025-10-26 20:58