'He's coming': Stephen A Smith claims NBA gambling bust is Trump's revenge

HUDSON SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY: ESPN commentator Stephen A Smith on Thursday, October 23, alleged that the massive federal gambling bust that ensnared a sitting NBA head coach and several players is not just a criminal investigation but part of a revenge campaign by President Donald Trump.

Appearing on ESPN’s 'First Take' shortly after the FBI wrapped its press conference announcing the arrests, Smith suggested the timing and tone of the operation were politically motivated and meant to send a message.

Stephen A Smith claims Trump is behind the betting racket bust

Smith said on the show immediately after the arrests, “Remember, Trump has a long, long history connected to the world of sports because he had those casinos. Where do you think folks were coming half the time?"

"I’m not talking about individuals, I’m talking about the culture. When people want to go to a casino, when people wanna gamble, when people wanna party, or whatever the case may be, this was his kind of connection to that,” he added.

Smith then speculated that Trump may have influenced or encouraged the FBI’s actions.

“This man is coming,” Smith said, warning co-host Monica McNutt not to dismiss the possibility that the crackdown could extend beyond the men’s league.

“Don’t be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list, because when you’ve got all of these protests that have been going out there and people have been protesting against him and what have you… he’s coming,” Smith said. 

Smith points to the high-profile nature of the arrests

The ESPN host also pointed to what he claimed was the unusually high-profile nature of the federal announcement, noting the presence of FBI Director Kash Patel at the press conference.

“I’m watching a press conference with the director of the FBI. Tell me when we’ve seen that,” Smith said.

“You don’t see the director of the FBI having a press conference. It’s not coincidental. It’s not an accident. It’s a statement, and it’s a warning that more is coming,” he alleged.

Smith suggested that Trump was seeking retaliation for his own legal battles, saying, “In his eyes, folks tried to throw [Trump] in jail. In his eyes, he’s innocent and… [he’s] getting everybody. He’s not playing.”

Concluding the segment, Smith told viewers, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s very concerning. We don’t know where this is gonna go. But everybody better brace themselves, because he’s coming.”

Massive FBI bust rocks the NBA

Smith’s comments came hours after federal prosecutors announced charges against more than 30 people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, in connection with a sprawling gambling and fraud operation.

Authorities said the suspects were allegedly involved in a years-long illegal betting and poker scheme backed by organized crime families.

FBI Director Patel described the scandal as “mind-boggling,” and involving tens of millions of dollars in fraud.  

The probe, dubbed 'Operation Nothing But Net', spanned 11 states and implicated both current and former NBA figures.

The arrests follow a turbulent year for the league, which has faced multiple gambling-related controversies.

In 2024, Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life and later pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting to betting on NBA games and sharing insider information.