Stephen A. Smith issues bizarre warning that Donald Trump is ‘coming’ for WNBA after FBI’s sports gambling probe

STEPHEN A. Smith strangely warned that President Donald Trump could target the WNBA after the FBI’s sports gambling investigation.

The NBA world has been shaken by the news that Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested in separate sports betting probes.

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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, along with 30 others, has been arrested as part of investigations related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the mafiaCredit: AP

Stephen A. Smith sent a stunning warning that Donald Trump will be “coming” for the WNBACredit: ESPN

Rozier was arrested in Orlando, Florida, after previously being investigated for possibly manipulating his performance during a 2023 NBA game.

Billups, meanwhile, was arrested in connection with an illegal poker operation.

On Thursday’s edition of First Take, Stephen A. declared that Trump has targeted the NBA and the NFL.

The fiery personality insinuated that Trump has responded to Bad Bunny being Super Bowl 60’s halftime performer by placing ICE at the major event, and that he has something to do with the FBI‘s investigation of the NBA.

Toward the end of Smith’s rant, the 58-year-old suggested the WNBA could be targeted next by the FBI, due to Trump.

“Don’t be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list. When you got all of these protests against him and what have you, this man is coming,” Smith said.

“I’ve been saying it for a long time.

“This is the latest nugget of evidence that we’re talking about right here.”

Smith’s comment was certainly bold, but there’s no evidence that the WNBA will be involved in the next major scandal.

Minutes before Stephen A.’s rant, FBI Director Kash Patel spoke to reporters in a press conference on Thursday and described the alleged fraud as “mind-boggling,” as he revealed tens of millions of dollars were involved.

“This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years,” he said.

“We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multi-year investigation.”

It was also uncovered that over 30 people have been arrested, and more are expected to surrender, US Attorney’s Office spokesperson John Marzulli revealed.

The NBA announced that Rozier and Billups have been placed on intermediate leave from their teams as they review the indictments and work with law enforcement.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has also been arrested for his involvement in a gambling probeCredit: Getty

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league added.

Billups allegedly took part in illegal poker games backed by mafia families, per authorities.

The group reportedly used technology such as X-ray machines to steal $7 million-plus from people in the New York area.

Rozier has been accused of being involved in an illegal sports betting scheme using insider information.

The former first-round pick allegedly faked an injury to help secure a bet in March 2023.

Billups and Rozier face charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges.