Donald Trump Accused of Taking 'Revenge' Against NBA as FBI Director Speaks Out

FBI director Kash Patel has responded to claims made by Stephen A.Smith that Donald Trump has taken 'revenge' against the NBA.

The basketball world was rocked on Thursday when US authorities made several high-profile arrests over alleged illegal sports betting.

Among those arrested were Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat star Terry Rozier.

Billups was arrested on suspicion of illegal gambling, while Rozier is accused of being part of an illegal sports betting scheme that uses insider NBA information.

According to the Daily Mail, the FBI claims to have uncovered a decades-long Mafia-led poker ring that rigged games across the United States.

ESPN host Stephen Smith shared his thoughts on First Take, claiming the investigation was motivated by Trump's desire for 'revenge'.

Smith said: "How many times, with one incident after another, have I said Trump is coming. He's coming.

"Bad Bunny is performing at the Super Bowl and, all of a sudden, you're hearing ICE is going to be there looking to engage in mass deportations.

"The Super Bowl, disrupting things. Big night for the NBA, Wembanyama put on a show... that has now been smeared because we're talking about this story.

The 58-year-old continued: "For me, this is the latest nugget of evidence.

"That's not to question the legitimacy of the case; we don't know.

"But anybody that has been around him, anybody that has talked to him and seen his reactions, from the sports leagues... they are not surprised at what's going on today.

"I'm watching a press conference with the Director of the FBI, tell me when we've seen that?"

FBI director Patel hit back at Smith during a live appearance on Fox News, dismissing his claims.

He said: "I'm the FBI director. I decide which arrest to conduct and which not to conduct.

"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, D.C.

"It's right up there with Adam Schiff. We arrest people for crimes."

In total, authorities say 34 defendants have been indicted on fraud-related charges.

Six people, including Rozier, have been charged in connection with payers allegedly faking injuries to influence betting odds.

The second case relates to illegal poker games, with 31 defendants involved.

Three individuals have been charged with both cases.

The FBI also claims that the scheme has ties to four of New York's most notorious crime families.