FBI Arrests Over 30 in Mafia-Linked NBA Probe

Federal authorities arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and more than 30 others in a wide FBI investigation into Mafia-linked illegal poker operations and alleged insider sports-betting schemes. The arrests carry money-laundering and wire-fraud charges and were announced at a high-profile press conference led by FBI Director Kash Patel. On ESPN’s First Take, host Stephen A. Smith said he believes the takedown is politically motivated and part of a revenge campaign by President Donald Trump, citing Trump’s casino ties and warning that other leagues, including the WNBA, could be targeted. Smith called the director’s public role “not coincidental” and framed the operation as a statement and a warning that “more is coming,” while saying he was not necessarily disputing the case’s legitimacy. His remarks — coming as Smith has grown more vocal in politics and has been linked to a possible 2028 run — drew backlash from MAGA supporters and intensified debate over the intersection of politics, law enforcement and professional sports.