Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith engaged in a fiery clash over the FBI’s major gambling probe that ensnared NBA figures like Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

The battle took place as the panel at ESPN’s Inside The NBA discussed the news that rocked the sports world on Thursday.

Billups, a Hall of Famer and 2004 NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, has been tied to poker-related gambling involving the mob, while Rozier’s arrest stems from broader point or stat-shaving schemes. The story has been covered extensively here at Bounding Into Sports.

Smith gave a lengthy soliloquy on why he thought those involved – the FBI handed down 31 indictments – were victims of gambling addiction. Barkley, on the other hand, suggests there is a much simpler explanation.

NBA gambling scandal about addiction?

Smith attributes the NBA high-earners’ risky involvement with gambling fixes to the illogical grip of addiction.

“We look at players who are involved and people who are involved, we’re surprised when you have access and you’re at the top of the game, so to speak, as a coach or a player or whatever at the top of the game, you have access to millions of dollars in this league,” Smith said.

“So, it was surprising that they put themselves in that position, possibly. Innocent until proven guilty.”

His point being that only gambling addicts would risk their lives and careers to make what amounts to a few extra bucks when they’ve acquired so much throughout their careers. Especially Billups, a former world champion and Hall of Famer.

“I think the other part is you have to realize gambling is an addiction, so the addiction of it is what makes you make illogical decisions … gambling is an addiction which could make you make illogical decisions regardless of your ethnic background, regardless of your physical background, regardless of your financial status,” Smith argued.

Barkey, to put it mildly, disagrees.

READ MORE: FBI Director Responds to Stephen A. Smith on NBA Scandal Comments

Or something simpler?

Barkley was basically chomping at the bit to respond to Smith’s comments. He vehemently rejected the addiction angle and notes that he likes to gamble himself. As do many former NBA stars. Michael Jordan was a notorious gambler, yet he somehow never found himself in bed with the mafia for a poker game or shaving points – allegedly.

“First of all, these are two different things,” Barkley fired back. “Take Chauncey out of the equation, and the reason I’m mad at Kenny is this has nothing to do with a damn gambling addiction. This ain’t got nothing to do with addiction. These dudes are stupid.”

“You can, under no circumstances, fix basketball games. Under no circumstances. I love to gamble. Rozier makes $26 million. Him giving people information or taking himself out of games, how much is he going to benefit taking himself out of games to hit unders? He’s making $26 million.”

Billups made just under $107 million for his career. The $26 million Barkley is referring to for Rozier is his last contract—he’s made over $160 million in his career.

Smith suggested that Barkley was making his point in referencing their millions in the bank, yet still wanting to cheat to get more.

“If you’re making $26 million to try to win $50,000, that’s illogical,” he said.

Barkley again dismissed him, saying, “The notion that guys are making all this money and giving information, stop that. That’s got nothing to do with addiction. It’s total stupidity on those two’s parts.”

Billups and Rozier have since been placed on an immediate leave of absence by the league.

What do our readers think? Is the NBA gambling scandal about addiction or stupidity?