Stephen A. Smith Issues a Warning On FBI-NBA Investigation
Stephen A. Smith, never one to mince words, leaned into his microphone on “First Take” Thursday morning and dropped a bombshell theory that has the sports world buzzing. Just as the FBI was wrapping up a press conference detailing a massive gambling bust involving NBA figures, Smith connected the dots to a larger, more political narrative. His target? Former President Donald Trump.
What Did Smith Have To Say?
Smith’s take is that this isn’t just about illegal betting; it’s a calculated act of revenge. “How many times have I said, Trump is coming? He’s coming,” he said, his voice rising with that signature intensity. He painted a picture of a president scorned by the sports world, particularly the NBA, which has been a vocal critic.
“Big night for the NBA — [Victor] Wembanyama put on a show. That has now been smeared because we’re talking about this story,” Smith said. He suggested that Trump, with his history in the casino world, is striking back at a league he feels has wronged him. “In his eyes, folks tried to throw [Trump] in jail… I’m getting everybody.’ He’s not playing.”
It is a wild theory, but the ESPN star is known for his theatrical flair. He even warned that the WNBA could be next, citing the league’s history of social protests. It sounds like a plot from a political thriller, but this is the reality show we’re all watching now.
Is This Just Stephen A. Smith Being Stephen A.?
"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
Let’s be real, this is classic Stephen A. Smith. He is a master at turning a news story into a full-blown spectacle. But is there any truth to his premonition? The presence of FBI Director Kash Patel at the press conference raised eyebrows. As Smith pointed out, “You don’t see the director of the FBI having a press conference [for this]. It’s not coincidental… It’s a statement, and it’s a warning that more is coming.”
The arrests themselves are serious business. Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat Guard Terry Rozier were among over 30 individuals charged in connection with schemes involving Mafia-backed poker games and illegal sports betting. This isn’t just some friendly office pool gone wrong; we’re talking about rigged games, secret cameras, and millions of dollars changing hands.
Brace Yourselves, Smith Warns
Whether you buy into the Trump revenge plot or not, Smith’s final words were chilling. He claims to have sources inside the NBA and NFL who believe this is just the “tip of the iceberg.”
“Everybody better brace themselves, because he’s coming,” Smith said ominously. Is this the opening salvo in a war between Trump and the world of professional sports, orchestrated by the loudest voice in sports media? Or is it just another day of Stephen A. Smith stirring the pot? Either way, he’s made sure we’re all watching. And you have to admit, it is pretty compelling television.
