Overview
- In a Fox News interview, Patel called Stephen A. Smith’s assertion that President Trump directed the arrests “the single dumbest thing” he has heard and said the FBI arrests people for crimes.
- Smith later reiterated on X and his radio show that he believes Trump “is coming,” while acknowledging the investigation has been underway for years.
- Federal authorities announced more than 30 arrests tied to rigged poker and insider betting schemes involving New York crime families, alleging roughly $7 million in illicit proceeds.
- Portland coach Chauncey Billups, Miami guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones were charged, with Billups and Rozier placed on leave as the league reviews the indictments.
- Reporting notes the investigation traces back years, with references to an earlier effort known as Operation Royal Flush that began around 2021–2022.