He could be set for free agency himself later this year

NBA Insider Shams Charania is known for his exclusive basketball scoops – but turned his hand to politics on Sunday night.

The Athletic sports reporter broke the news of Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race to his 2.3 million followers on X.

Shams Charania became a political insider for the evening on SundayCredit: Getty

The NBA Insider reported Joe Biden (pictured) was dropping out of the presidential raceCredit: Getty

Stephen A. Smith (left) made a similarly unexpected move into politics at last month’s presidential debateCredit: NewsNation
Charania’s millions of fans eagerly await his social media activity as a sign of big news across the NBA.

But they were shocked when the 30-year-old broke the biggest political news of the year on July 21.

“Joe Biden has withdrawn from the US Presidential race,” Charania posted, in a sharp about-turn from his usual content.

Fans were quick to comment on Charania’s post, which quickly accumulated more than 20 million views.

“FROM SHAMS????” gasped one fan in response.

“How does this impact LeBron’s legacy,” joked another.

“Me finding this out from Shams is hilarious,” said a third.

“Shams went from spoiling draft picks to spoiling elections,” laughed a fourth.

“Shams spoiling presidential races now this is getting out of hand,” added a fifth.

ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith garnered a similar reaction after appearing on NewsNation ahead of the first presidential debate last month.

Shams Charania’s awkward reaction live on Pat McAfee Show after ESPN’s NBA insider is asked if he’s dating Kay Adams
Smith joined host Chris Cuomo and radio personality Adam Carolla to dissect President Joe Biden’s debate with former President Donald Trump.

Stephen A. stars on ESPN show First Take and is the face of the network’s basketball coverage.

“Nah what’s Stephen A Smith doing here,” said one viewer on X in response to the footage.

“I would never respect a news organization that didn’t have Stephen A. Smith covering a presidential debate,” joked another.

Charania has become one of the NBA’s most prominent insiders over recent seasons.

Stephen A. Smith’s journey through media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.

Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.

He currently works for The Athletic, Stadium, and FanDuel.

Charania’s contracts with the three outlets are set to expire in the coming months, per the New York Post.

It is not currently known if he will pen an extension or look to test free agency.

“My mind is consumed by, ‘What can I do today to get information that I didn’t have yesterday?'” Charania told New York Magazine in October 2023.

“It consumes everything I do.”