FBI Uncovers Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Ring with Over 30 Arrests Nationwide

Federal law enforcement head Kash Patel strongly rebuked sports commentator Stephen A. Smith for claiming that the recent arrests in a major illegal sports gambling ring were politically motivated acts orchestrated by President Donald Trump. Patel emphasized that the FBI's investigation and resulting arrests, which involve over 30 individuals including NBA figures like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, are based strictly on evidence of criminal activity such as fraud, money laundering, and connections to organized crime families, not political retaliation. Smith had speculated that these arrests were revenge for NBA protests against Trump and warned that the WNBA might be targeted next, a claim Patel dismissed as "the single dumbest thing" he had heard. NBA superstar Stephen Curry downplayed concerns about the integrity of the league amid the FBI probe, expressing confidence in players' responsibility despite the scandal. The investigation, which has been ongoing for years prior to Trump's current administration, involves allegations of rigged games and betting irregularities, highlighting the FBI's crackdown on organized sports betting and mafia-linked operations. The clear message from law enforcement is that criminal conduct, not political motives, drives these actions against those involved in illegal gambling activities within professional sports.