Sports network ESPN has found itself at the centre of a controversy after reportedly applying a double standard to its on-air presenters regarding their promotional work with a contentious online gaming app. According to reports, the broadcaster instructed several of its personalities to cut ties with Papaya Gaming but did not extend the same directive to its highest-profile star, Stephen A. Smith.
The Uneven Directive from ESPN
Front Office Sports reports that ESPN told a quartet of its talent—Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Mina Kimes, and Laura Rutledge—to end their promotional relationships with Papaya Gaming. This instruction came after they promoted the company's solitaire app on social media, following in the footsteps of Stephen A. Smith.
However, in a move that has raised eyebrows, Smith was exempt from the order to break from Papaya Gaming. The company is currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit filed by mobile game platform Skillz Platform Inc. The lawsuit accuses Papaya of false marketing and violating New York's general business law, alleging the company used bots 'masquerading as human players' to prevent customers from winning money.
Papaya Gaming has denied these claims and filed a counterclaim, asserting that Skillz also uses bots and that the lawsuit is a reaction to Skillz's own 'financial downturn that has lasted for three years.'
Fallout and Internal Criticism
The situation has prompted a swift and apologetic response from some of the involved ESPN staff. Mina Kimes publicly called her involvement a 'colossal f***-up' on the social media platform X. She wrote, 'The truth is: I didn't spend any time looking into the whole thing, and that's 100% on me. Thought it was just typical marketing work, and I'm deeply embarrassed I didn't vet it.' She later added on Bluesky that she had not been paid and would donate any money she might receive.
Following the directive, Kimes, Orlovsky, and Rutledge have all deleted their promotional social media posts for the Papaya Gaming app. As of Wednesday evening, however, promotional posts from both Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins remained visible on their respective accounts.
The controversy has also reignited a public feud. Smith's former ESPN and SiriusXM colleague, Michelle Beadle, launched a scathing critique on her podcast. 'It's gross, man. You gotta have principles in this thing,' Beadle said. 'ESPN pays him a gazillion dollars... Now he's turning around and turning that into a money-making opportunity… and it looks like a fraudulent c*** business to begin with.'
Smith responded on his own SiriusXM show without naming Beadle, suggesting that critics were people who 'didn't do what it took to resonate continuously' and are now 'on the outside looking in.'
Corporate Silence and Evaluation
While ESPN has declined to comment publicly on the matter, Stephen A. Smith addressed the partnership on his podcast. Smith stated his team was 'evaluating the accuracy and merits of the claims made' against Papaya Gaming.
'I want to be very clear,' Smith said. 'I do not support nor condone any company engaging in fraudulent or unfair gaming practices. Thus, my team and I will evaluate the situation and ensure that we are not in favor of any fraudulent or unfair gaming practices at all.'
This promotional deal emerged just five months after Smith was caught playing solitaire on his phone during the NBA Finals last June, an incident that itself drew significant criticism. The situation leaves ESPN facing questions about its internal consistency and the scrutiny applied to the commercial activities of its biggest stars.
