A number of of ESPN’s largest on-air figures are being criticized for selling a cell gaming app now accused of misleading practices. Stephen A. Smith, Laura Rutledge, Mina Kimes, and others are dealing with intense backlash after endorsing Solitaire Money, a real-money gaming app operated by Papaya Gaming, which is presently the topic of a number of lawsuits alleging that its video games have been “rigged” by means of using bots posing as actual gamers.
The controversy comes simply months after Smith went viral for taking part in solitaire on his cellphone throughout Sport 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. That viral second has now developed right into a full-blown sponsorship deal.
Earlier this week, Smith was named the official ambassador for Papaya Gaming and the upcoming World Solitaire Championship, scheduled to happen in Miami in February 2026. Smith celebrated the partnership by sharing an AI-generated video advert on social media, parodying the second he was caught enjoying solitaire courtside. “Y’all actually mad I used to be enjoying Solitaire through the Finals? Perhaps ask your self why. Be a part of now for the primary time ever — World Solitaire Championship,” Smith posted on X (previously Twitter), in accordance with Yahoo Sports activities.
Followers Name Endorsements “Gross” Amid Lawsuit Allegations
Followers and critics alike have slammed the ESPN host for the sponsorship. Former ESPN persona Michelle Beadle, who has a protracted historical past of feuding with Smith, known as the deal “gross.” On her Beadle and Decker podcast, she remarked, “I’m not a non secular individual, however I pray for the downfall. I actually do. It’s gross, man. You gotta have ideas on this factor.”
Beadle didn’t cease there, including, “ESPN pays him a gazillion {dollars} to get lots of stuff flawed and yell. He will get caught enjoying solitaire through the NBA freaking Finals, the factor he’s an skilled in. He made you appear to be fools for handing him a clean examine within the first place.”
Her feedback come as Papaya Gaming faces a rising listing of authorized troubles. The corporate is being sued for allegedly falsely advertising and marketing its cell video games as “skill-based” whereas utilizing bots to control outcomes. A federal choose lately denied Papaya’s request for abstract judgment in a case introduced by competitor Skillz Platform Inc., permitting the lawsuit to proceed. The court docket famous proof suggesting that “Papaya used tailor-made bots to regulate the outcomes of tournaments,” enabling the corporate to find out who gained or misplaced “irrespective of how they carried out.”
ESPN Figures Face Backlash Over Paid Promotions
Whereas Smith was the one individual formally named as a Papaya ambassador, a number of different ESPN skills participated in selling the sport on-line. Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge, Kendrick Perkins, Mina Kimes, and Ros Gold-Onwude all posted paid commercials tagged with #advert and #BeatStephen, inviting followers to obtain the app and compete in opposition to Smith.
Rutledge wrote on X, “Advert @stephenasmith who’s the winner now?! Who else desires the candy style of @solitairecash victory? Obtain, take part #BeatStephen and don’t overlook to share your rating.” Orlovsky’s submit learn, “Advert Alright @stephenasmith ….you bought me this time However I’m coming again stronger — who’s becoming a member of me within the @solitairecash #BeatStephen problem?!”
The fan response was overwhelmingly unfavorable. One consumer replied, “Gross, man.” One other wrote, “Are you low on money? What the heck is that this?” Others accused ESPN personalities of “company greed,” with one remark studying, “Sorry, Laura, the product promotion by on-air expertise has reached a degree that’s unacceptable.”
Mina Kimes Points Public Apology as Controversy Escalates
The net backlash prompted ESPN analyst Mina Kimes to difficulty an apology to her greater than 900,000 followers on X. “The reality is: I didn’t spend any time wanting into the entire thing, and that’s 100% on me,” she admitted. “Thought it was simply typical advertising and marketing work, and I’m deeply embarrassed I didn’t vet it. A colossal f***-up on my half.” Her submit has since been seen greater than 6 million instances.
Papaya Gaming has denied wrongdoing, stating that its video games haven’t used bots since November 2023 and that it intends to “vigorously show” that the accusations are false. Nevertheless, lawsuits proceed to allege that Papaya “rigged” its platform through the use of bots “masquerading as human gamers,” manipulating participant outcomes, and deceptive customers.
Regardless of the authorized cloud and public criticism, Smith and different ESPN personalities haven’t retracted their promotions. ESPN has additionally not issued a press release relating to its workers’ involvement within the marketing campaign.
For now, the backlash continues to develop, with followers expressing disappointment over what they see as an rising pattern of sports activities figures — each athletes and broadcasters — monetizing their fame by means of questionable endorsements. As one commenter put it bluntly: “Everybody must generate income, however that is too far.”
