• ESPN personality and prospective political candidate Stephen A. Smith suggested Thursday that President Donald Trump orchestrated the FBI gambling investigation that led to arrests of NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier.
• Speaking on First Take minutes after the FBI press conference, Smith warned viewers this is only the beginning of Trump’s alleged revenge campaign against sports leagues that opposed him.
• Smith pointed to Trump’s casino background and history with professional sports, claiming the timing of the arrests deliberately overshadowed Victor Wembanyama’s standout performance in the NBA season opener.

NEW YORK (TDR) — ESPN host Stephen A. Smith ignited controversy Thursday morning by claiming President Donald Trump personally orchestrated the FBI gambling investigation that ensnared prominent NBA figures, describing it as part of a broader revenge plot against professional sports leagues. The bombshell allegations came during his First Take broadcast, just moments after FBI Director Kash Patel concluded a press conference detailing the arrests.

“Trump is coming. He’s coming…Anybody that has seen his reactions from the sports leagues and the positions that people have taken, they are not surprised at what’s going on today…this is just the tip of the iceberg” – Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/gngy9qbPIG

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2025

Trump connection floated on live television

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Smith, who has been increasingly vocal about his potential 2028 presidential run, told viewers the timing of the gambling bust was no coincidence. He argued the investigation deliberately overshadowed Victor Wembanyama‘s impressive performance in Wednesday night’s season opener, sullying what should have been a celebratory moment for the league.

Big night for the NBA — Wembanyama put on a show. That has now been smeared because we’re talking about this story.

The 57-year-old analyst pointed to Trump’s extensive casino background as evidence of his connection to gambling culture and sports betting operations. Smith noted that Trump operated casinos where gamblers frequently congregated, suggesting this history gives the president unique insight into illegal gambling operations.

Pattern of targeting sports leagues alleged

Smith referenced Trump’s long-standing grievances with professional sports, including the NFL’s 2014 decision to block his bid to purchase the Buffalo Bills. According to Smith, Trump personally called him that year and threatened to run for president as retaliation against the league.

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“How many times for one incident after another, have I said, Trump is coming. He’s coming,” Smith declared on air. “I’m gonna say it on national television again.”

The ESPN personality also mentioned reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement planning to conduct mass deportations at the Super Bowl, where Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform. Smith portrayed these moves as part of a systematic campaign to disrupt major sporting events.

Political aspirations fuel commentary

Smith’s commentary comes as he increasingly positions himself as a political voice. Recent polling shows him receiving 2% support in hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary matchups, placing him alongside established politicians like Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The broadcaster recently signed a $100 million contract with ESPN that allows him more time to focus on political content. He hosts a SiriusXM political show called Straight Shooter and has interviewed Democratic figures including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Critics question the theory

Not everyone found Smith’s Trump theory convincing. The investigation into Terry Rozier began in 2023, predating Trump’s return to office. The FBI probe involved 31 defendants across 11 states and uncovered connections to four major Mafia families, suggesting a complex operation that extended far beyond presidential politics.

Sports media critics noted that the serious criminal charges — including wire fraud, money laundering and extortion — merit coverage regardless of political considerations. Rozier allegedly faked injuries to benefit betting rings, while Chauncey Billups faced charges related to illegal poker operations tied to organized crime.

Is Stephen A. Smith’s conspiracy theory undermining the seriousness of corruption in professional sports?

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