ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has made a controversial claim, suggesting that a reported FBI investigation into an NBA game-rigging scandal is an act of revenge from former President Donald Trump.
Smith made these statements on his show, “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” He warned that this could be just the beginning of a broader effort.
Smith connected the reported scandal to past protests within the league. He implied the investigation is a response to those who demonstrated against the former president.
NEW: ESPN's Stephen A. Smith says the NBA game-rigging mafia-linked scandal uncovered by the FBI is President Trump's revenge, says this is only the beginning.
"Don't be surprised that the WNBA is next on his list."
"Because when you've got all of these protests that have been… pic.twitter.com/MkoqBStaKi
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 23, 2025“Because when you’ve got all of these protests that have been going on out there and people that have been protesting against him and what have you, this man is coming. He’s coming,” Smith stated.
He further speculated that the WNBA could be the next league to face similar scrutiny. “Don’t be surprised that the WNBA is next on his list,” he added.
The comments refer to a recent FBI report on a mafia-linked game-rigging probe. Smith’s interpretation presents this legal action as politically motivated. His take has drawn significant criticism online. Many viewers and commentators have labelled his theory as unsubstantiated and a “horrible take.”
The segment has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and conspiracy theories.
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