ESPN has recently found itself in the spotlight for multiple missteps, leading to significant scrutiny of the network. The latest incident involves its talent being instructed to refrain from promoting Papaya Games and its controversial solitaire-for-money app. This situation escalated after prominent ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was seen playing solitaire on his phone during NBA Finals coverage, drawing attention to his new role as a “global ambassador” for the app.
Smith’s promotion of the game on social media, without explicitly labeling it as an advertisement, raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. Following his lead, other ESPN figures, including Kendrick Perkins, Dan Orlovsky, Mina Kimes, and Laura Rutledge, also tweeted about the app. However, the tide turned when it was revealed that Papaya Gaming is facing a federal lawsuit for allegedly misrepresenting the app as a game of skill while using bots to manipulate tournament outcomes—a claim the company strongly denies.
In the midst of the backlash, Kimes publicly acknowledged her oversight in promoting the app, admitting in a tweet, “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.” Following her lead, both Orlovsky and Rutledge removed their promotional tweets, while Smith and Perkins have not yet done so.
Smith, known for his ability to capitalize on controversies, continues to engage in public disputes with critics, suggesting that he’s navigating the situation with a sense of strategic awareness regarding his status at ESPN. This raises questions about whether the network’s talent sought approval before endorsing the game or believed they could rely on the adage of “better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
As ESPN grapples with these blunders, this incident is another addition to a string of recent controversies, presenting challenges for the network’s reputation. The situation underscores the delicate balance between promotional activities and the ethical considerations attached, particularly in an industry as scrutinized as sports media.