Stephen A. Smith is standing firm in his comments regarding FBI Director Kash Patel, despite expressing no desire to escalate their ongoing verbal sparring. During an episode of "First Take" on Thursday, the ESPN commentator asserted that President Trump is "coming" in light of the FBI's extensive investigation into several illegal sports gambling cases. This investigation has led to the arrest of notable figures, including Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones, as well as individuals connected to the infamous Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese mob families.
The recent arrests have sent shockwaves through the NBA community, with significant implications for the league's integrity. The Department of Justice has confirmed the involvement of teams like the LA Lakers, Raptors, and Hornets in this gambling scandal. Notably, the investigation has uncovered attempts by reputed mobsters to seize control of various illegal operations, including a violent takeover of a New York City garbage business. The scandal has revealed a depth of corruption that is alarming to both fans and players alike.
On "First Take," Smith predicted that the FBI would continue its crackdown, hinting that more arrests are on the horizon. He implied that President Trump might have an influence over the ongoing investigation, urging viewers to "brace themselves" for the repercussions. Following Smith's remarks, Patel appeared on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, where he ridiculed Smith's comments, labeling them "the single dumbest thing I've ever heard out of anyone in modern history."
In a follow-up on his SiriusXM radio show, Smith reiterated his stance, showing no intention of retracting his comments. "Let’s just say I’m not trying to get on his bad side," Smith acknowledged about Patel. However, he maintained that his insights, honed over three decades as a journalist and commentator, should not be dismissed lightly. "This investigation has been ongoing since the Biden administration, and discussions about it have been in the works since 2019, during Trump's presidency," he emphasized.
The FBI's investigation has led to the arrest of 34 individuals, who are implicated in a scheme that reportedly generated $7 million over two years. Following the arrests, both Billups and Rozier have been placed on leave as the investigation unfolds. They face serious charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, which raise significant questions about the integrity of the league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the situation for the first time during an interview with NBA on Prime while the Knicks faced the Celtics. He expressed being "deeply disturbed" by the events, emphasizing that the integrity of the competition must remain paramount. "There is nothing more important than ensuring that our league operates fairly and transparently," Silver stated.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the NBA and its community await further developments, bracing for potential repercussions that could alter the landscape of professional basketball. With prominent figures involved and a significant public interest in the outcome, the implications of this scandal could be far-reaching.
