Featured Image Credit: ESPN
Topics: Stephen A Smith, NBA, Basketball
Marcus Chan
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has warned that Donald Trump is targeting the WNBA next, following the ongoing row involving music artist Bad Bunny.
Last month, it was confirmed that Bad Bunny, 31, would be the performer during Super Bowl LX's half-time show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The reggaeton artist, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to be the first Latin American male artist to headline the Super Bowl half-time show.
However, the decision to give Bad Bunny the gig has not gone down well, with a petition to replace him with country singer George Strait reaching more than 50,000 signatures.
Advert
Meanwhile, US President Trump slammed the decision to pick Bad Bunny - branding it "crazy" and "absolutely ridiculous" during an interview with Newsmax’s Greg Kelly.
Despite the backlash, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Bad Bunny will perform as scheduled.
Meanwhile, Speaking on his ESPN show, First Take, Smith stated that Trump will be targeting the WNBA next after the NBA's betting scandal and also commented on the President's reaction to Bad Bunny being picked as the Super Bowl performer.
On Thursday, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested as part of an FBI sports betting investigation.
Reacting to the latest development, Smith said: "You know what world that I live in, in terms of politics. How many times, with one incident after another, have I said "Trump is coming. He's coming". I'm going to say it on national television again.
"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 (NBA Betting Investigation).
"Remember, Trump has a long, long history connected to the world of sports, because he had those casinos. Where do you think folks were coming half the time? I'm not talking about individuals, I'm talking about the culture. When people want to go to a casino, when people want to gamble, when people want to party... this is his kind of connection to that."
He continued: "Don't be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list. When you've got all these protests going on out there, protesting against him... this man is coming, he's coming. I've been saying it for a long time."