Stephen A. Smith Clashes With FBI’s Kash Patel Over NBA Gambling Scandal

Stephen A. Smith is not afraid to go up against anyone, and that apparently includes FBI Director Kash Patel.

On the Thursday, October 23, episode of ESPN’s First Take, Smith talked about the recent NBA gambling scandal that saw Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat star Terry Rozier arrested as part of a federal investigation into sports gambling.

During the segment, Smith insinuated that U.S. President Donald Trump is involved in the investigation.

“Trump is coming. He’s coming,” Smith, 58, said on the show. “Anybody that has seen his reactions from the sports leagues and the positions that people have taken, they are not surprised at what’s going on today…this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Makes 1st Comments After Gambling Indictments

He continued: “I’m watching a press conference with the Director of the FBI. Tell me when we’ve seen that. We’ve seen accusations before, we’ve seen athletes get in trouble with the law before. You don’t see the Director of the FBI having a press conference. It’s not coincidental, it’s not an accident. It’s a statement and it’s a warning that more is coming.”

Patel seemingly didn’t take too kindly to Smith’s comments, going on Fox News to talk with Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle later in the day, responding to the fiery accusations.

stephen a smith and kash patel on nba gambling scandal
Stephen A. Smith and Kash Patel Getty Images

Patel chuckled when Ingraham asked him about Smith’s comments, saying it was “the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard out of anyone in modern history.”

“I’m the FBI director, I decide which arrests to conduct and which not to conduct,” Patel said. “We arrest people for crimes.”

Ingraham laughed as the segment wrapped.

Smith took a slight step back on his original statement in a social media post on Thursday night, responding to Patel’s comments on Fox News.

“Nothing to get ahead of here, people! I never denied or failed to mention that this FBI Investigation has been going on for years,” Smith said via X. “I said Trump wasn’t inclined to stop it. He’s sparing no one because the man isn’t playing. He’s coming!! In no way am I attempting to even have an opinion on the legitimacy of this matter. I don’t know the facts of the case. I’m just saying don’t expect POTUS to spare anyone on this matter. And I stand by that. That’s all!”

But Smith, of course, wasn’t done.

NBA’s Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier Arrested in Gambling Investigation

On his radio show on Friday, October 24, he commented again on the situation, clarifying his stance while also making clear that he still feels the same way about Trump’s involvement with the investigation.

“I would say he’s the director of the FBI, let’s just say I’m not trying to get on his bad side,” Smith said. “But having said that, I still stand by what I said. And I’m not changing my mind.

He continued: “This investigation has been going on since when Biden was in office. They talked about how this stuff has been going on since 2019, which is when Trump was in office. I’m not implying that Kash Patel doesn’t have any legitimacy to the case that he’s pursuing against these individuals … and I’m not about to argue with an FBI director. I’m simply making the point that in the end, you have a president in place that has a lengthy connection to the sports world, rife with friends and enemies. And those who are his enemies, he doesn’t mind inconveniencing one bit. And when it comes to the NBA brand, it doesn’t bother him.”

Smith, known for his strong opinions in sports, has become more involved with politics in recent months. In September, he debuted a new podcast, Straight Shooter, where Smith discusses politics and social issues, a shift from his normal sports content.


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The Maravi Post week in review: Food aid, fuel shortages, calls for Unity, political shifts dominate headlines

.…From food crises and energy shortages to calls for national peace and key political developments, October 19–25, 2025, has been a week of pivotal events shaping Malawi’s social and political landscape.

Quick Overview:

•$45 Million Food Aid Secured: Malawi receives critical food assistance from the World Bank and African Development Bank to address ongoing hunger.

•Fuel Shortages Persist: Citizens face long queues and dry pumps as supply chain disruptions continue to affect transportation and daily life.

•First Lady Calls for Unity: Gertrude Mutharika urges all Malawians to join hands in promoting peace and national harmony.

•Election Data Clerks Arrested: Eight Lilongwe clerks detained, raising questions about electoral transparency and integrity.

•Northern MPs Back Deputy Speaker Candidate: UTM’s Catherine Mzumara gains strong regional support, signaling potential parliamentary shifts.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-This past week, Malawians have witnessed a series of developments that are likely to influence the nation’s social, economic, and political trajectory.

In a major relief effort, Malawi secured $45 million in food aid from the World Bank, with additional support from the African Development Bank.

The funding comes as the country struggles with ongoing food insecurity, compounded by persistent fuel shortages that have disrupted agricultural distribution and transportation.

The aid is expected to provide critical support to vulnerable communities while bolstering long-term strategies to stabilize food supply chains across the nation.

However, despite the promise of food relief, fuel shortages continued to dominate headlines, affecting daily life in cities and towns nationwide.

Many petrol stations remain dry, forcing motorists to queue for hours at the few operational pumps.

The government has attributed the crisis to supply chain challenges, while citizens continue to voice frustration over the impact on commuting, businesses, and essential services.

Amid these practical challenges, calls for national unity and peace have emerged as a unifying theme.
First Lady Gertrude Mutharika took to her official Facebook page to urge all Malawians to join hands in promoting harmony across the nation.

Her message emphasized collective responsibility, love, and cooperation, resonating with many citizens who described it as a timely reminder of the importance of togetherness in difficult times.

Political developments also featured prominently this week, raising questions about governance and electoral transparency.

The arrest of eight election data clerks in Lilongwe sparked concern over possible irregularities, prompting investigations by authorities.

Details remain scarce, but the incident has heightened public awareness about the importance of accountability and integrity within Malawi’s electoral processes.

In parliamentary news, Northern region Members of Parliament rallied behind UTM’s Catherine Mzumara for the role of Deputy Speaker.

The show of regional support reflects shifting alliances within the legislative body and underscores the growing influence of regional representation in shaping parliamentary decisions.

Analysts suggest that this could have long-term implications for political dynamics and policymaking in Malawi.

From humanitarian aid to energy crises, calls for peace, electoral scrutiny, and political maneuvering, the week of October 19–25, 2025, highlights the interconnected challenges and opportunities facing Malawi today.

As the nation navigates these complex issues, citizens and policymakers alike are reminded of the importance of resilience, cooperation, and accountability in shaping a prosperous future.


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