FBI’s NBA arrests prompt Trump warning from ESPN star

ESPN Star Stephen A. Smith Issues Warning About President Donald Trump after dozens of people, including three NBA figures, were arrested in a wide-ranging FBI investigation into illegal gambling.

Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones were among those arrested in an investigation that looked at two separate alleged transactions.

Smith spoke about the arrests Thursday on ESPN's “First Take.”

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“You know what kind of world we live in politically. How many times is it one incident after another? Trump is coming,” Smith said. “He will come. I'm going to say it again on national television. … Remember, Trump has a long, long history in the sports world because he had these casinos. Where do you think these people went 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 there and people that protested against him and what have you, this man will come. “He, anyone who has spoken his opinion, anyone who has seen his reaction from the sports leagues and the position that people have taken is not surprised by what is happening today.”

Terry Rozier (3) of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles under the guard of Bruce Brown (11) of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

HOW CHAUNCEY BILLUPS AND DAMON JONES ARE ALLEGEDLY USED TO COORCE VICTIMS INTO ILLEGAL POKER PLAYS

Smith said athletes have had problems with law enforcement before, but he has not seen the FBI director intervene or hold a news conference about the investigations.

“This is not a coincidence. This is not an accident. This is a statement. And it's a warning that something else is coming, and that's what they're saying here. … In (Trump’s) eyes, people were trying to throw him in jail. In his eyes he is innocent and they tried to put me behind bars. He doesn't play.”

Smith added that he spoke with people from major sports leagues, and they told him that this scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”

NBA immediately placed Billups and Rozier on leave.

Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, calls the start of the game during the first half of a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

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“We are in the process of reviewing the federal charges announced today,” the league said. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are taking leave from their teams effective immediately and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities. We take these allegations seriously and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”

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