FBI Director Kash Patel lashed out at popular sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, accusing him of making the "single dumbest" comment in modern history after Smith said the Trump administration pursued a recent gambling investigation because of the NBA's history of left-wing activism.
Smith made the comments on "First Take," a sports commentary show that he co-hosts.
"Remember, Trump has a long, long history connected to the world of sports because he had those casinos," Smith said. "Where do you think those folks were coming half the time? I’m not talking about the individuals. I’m talking about the culture."
"Don’t be surprised if the WNBA is next on his list," he continued. "Because when you got all of these protesters that have been going out there and people who have been protesting against him and what have you, this man is coming."
Patel responded to Smith's comments on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" with Laura Ingraham.
"I am the FBI director and I decide which arrests to conduct and which not to conduct," Patel said. "That may be the single dumbest thing I've ever heard out of anyone in modern history, and I live in Washington, D.C. We arrest people for crimes."
🚨 BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel FIRES BACK at Stephen A. Smith claiming the NBA gambling bust was "REVENGE" from President Trump for the NBA's left-wing activism
"That may be the single DUMBST thing I've ever heard out of anyone in modern history. And I live most of my time… pic.twitter.com/RUe8TwNJaK
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 23, 2025