FBI Director Kash Patel isn’t mincing words after ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith suggested that President Donald Trump was somehow behind the shocking arrests tied to the NBA’s illegal gambling scandal. During a fiery appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Patel called out Smith’s claim as “the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard out of anyone in modern history,” setting off a new wave of political and sports-world chatter as details of the sprawling investigation continue to unfold.

Shortly after the bombshell scandal made headlines, Smith spoke out on his show, “First Take,” claiming that more crackdowns will come under the Trump administration.

“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,” Smith said on air Thursday. “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

“It’s very concerning. We don’t know where this is gonna go. But everybody better brace themselves, because he’s coming,” he added in reference to Trump.

Patel, who announced the FBI’s takedown of more than 30 individuals, including NBA stars, coaches, and alleged Mafia family members, didn’t hold back when addressing Smith’s remarks.

“I’m the FBI director. I decide which arrests to conduct and which not to conduct,” Patel said pointedly to host Laura Ingraham. “That may be the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard out of anyone in modern history. And I live most of my time in Washington, DC.”

He doubled down on his response, adding, “It’s right up there with Adam Schiff. We arrest people for crimes.”

The blunt response instantly made waves online, with fans and pundits debating whether Smith’s theory crossed a line from speculation into conspiracy.

Patel’s comments came hours after the FBI announced a sweeping double takedown that rattled the sports world. Over 30 NBA players, coaches, and associates were arrested in connection with two separate illegal gambling and rigged poker operations that allegedly involved high-profile organized crime figures.

Among those charged were Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, each accused of leveraging insider knowledge for profit.

The cases are being described as one of the largest sports betting scandals in NBA history.

According to federal filings, the illegal betting ring spanned from December 2022 through March 2024, with a group of co-conspirators allegedly placing bets on at least seven NBA games using non-public information. Those games reportedly involved the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors, all teams tied to individuals named in the indictments.

Rozier allegedly shared confidential details, even pulling himself early from a game to benefit the betting group. Prosecutors claim he later profited from the wagers. Meanwhile, Damon Jones, who informally assisted Lakers head coach Darvin Ham during the 2022-2023 season, is accused of selling insider information about player availability to bettors, giving them a decisive edge.

In a statement released by the league, officials emphasized their commitment to transparency and the integrity of the sport.

“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the statement read. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”

With the FBI expanding its investigation and indictments stacking up, the league may be facing its most serious gambling scandal yet. If one thing is clear, it’s that the fallout from this gambling scandal is far from over.