FBI Arrests 30 in NBA Gambling Probe

Federal authorities announced a sweeping illegal-gambling probe that resulted in roughly 30 arrests, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones. Officials say the dismantled network was tied to multimillion‑dollar sports‑betting schemes and Mafia‑linked poker operations. FBI Director Kash Patel personally led a high‑profile press conference announcing the takedown. ESPN host Stephen A. Smith responded on air and online, alleging the operation is part of a revenge campaign by former President Donald Trump against sports leagues and warning that the WNBA and other leagues could be targeted. Law‑enforcement officials say the investigation has been active for about two years, and critics cautioned that Smith’s political framing risks distracting from the documented federal probe and criminal allegations.