ESPN Places Ban On Stephen A Smith’s Colleagues Amid Concerning Controversy
Some of Stephen A Smith’s ESPN colleagues have been banned from joining the ‘First Take’ host in promoting a controversial gaming app.
Smith is in partnership with Papaya Gaming and has been promoting an online Solitaire game after getting caught playing the card game during the NBA finals last season.
According to a report from Front Office Sports, ESPN has ordered Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Mina Kimes, and Laura Rutledge to stop promoting the game. Smith, however, has received no such directive.
The ban stems from a federal lawsuit over allegations of false marketing and violating New York’s General Business Law.
Another gaming company, Skillz Platform Inc., has accused Papaya of using AI bots designed to appear as humans to manipulate outcomes.
One ESPN Talent Has Apologized
While this remains unproven, it’s not something ESPN wants its name attached to.
Kimes, for one, has deleted her social media post promoting the game and also offered an apology.
“The truth is: I didn’t spend any time looking into the whole thing, and that’s 100% on me,” she wrote on X following widespread backlash. “Thought it was just typical marketing work, and I’m deeply embarrassed I didn’t vet it.”
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. A colossal fuck-up on my part. https://t.co/BlQQMEwigk
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 8, 2025
She later claimed on Bluesky that she hadn’t received any money for promoting the app but would give it away if she did.
Orlovsky and Rutledge have also deleted their promotional posts in response to criticism.
ESPN hasn’t commented publicly on the controversy.
For its part, Papaya has released a statement noting it “looks forward to vigorously proving in trial that Skillz’ misleading accusations against the company are false and unjustified.”
The company has also filed a suit accusing Skillz of using AI bots themselves and only suing because they have been losing money for several years.
ESPN Places Ban On Stephen A Smith’s Colleagues Amid Concerning Controversy
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