ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith warned that President Donald Trump “is coming” for sports after the FBI announced arrests in a wide illegal gambling probe involving NBA figures. Smith delivered his remarks Thursday on ESPN’s “First Take.”
The investigation led to arrests that included Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player Damon Jones.
Smith linked the moment to Trump’s long history with casinos and the sports world and suggested federal authorities were sending a message. He said he has not previously seen the FBI director step forward on such cases and called the move a “statement” that “more is coming.”
Smith added he has heard from people around major leagues who believe the scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The NBA said it placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave while it reviews the federal indictments. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league said.
Context: An indictment unsealed Thursday charges six men with wire-fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The defendants are Eric Earnest, Marves “Vez” Fairley, Shane “Sugar” Hennen, former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, Deniro Laster, and current guard Terry Rozier. Prosecutors say the scheme ran from December 2022 to March 2024.
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