FBI Director Kash Patel disputed ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith’s claim that the timing of a major sports betting investigation was politically motivated.

Patel on Thursday announced 34 individuals had been arrested and charged in connection to wide-ranging investigations into rigged poker schemes and illegal sports betting on NBA games. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier were among those detained and indicted.

Smith questioned the timing of the sting operation, which came during the opening week of the NBA regular season, and whether President Donald Trump had directed his hand-picked FBI chief to send a statement to pro leagues that had drawn his ire in the past .

“It’s not coincidental, it’s not an accident,” Smith said Thursday on E

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