ESPN is taking heat after several of its top personalities promoted a real-money gaming app, Solitaire Cash, on social media. The app’s partnership with Stephen A. Smith, Mina Kimes, Laura Rutledge, and Kendrick Perkins sparked backlash due to ongoing lawsuits against its developer, Papaya Gaming.
Smith also shared an AI-generated ad on Monday promoting the mobile game across his social media platforms.
Y’all really mad I was playing Solitaire during the Finals?
Maybe ask yourself why. Join now for the first time ever – World Solitaire Championship.Starting today on the Solitaire Cash App
Download Now 👇🏾
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 3, 2025
The promotion encouraged fans to challenge Smith in the game, but critics quickly noted that Papaya faces allegations of using bots in competitions marketed as human-only.
On her podcast, former ESPN host Michelle Beadle strongly condemned the campaign. “It’s gross, man, you gotta have principles in this thing,” she said.
She questioned why respected sports analysts would push gambling-style apps to followers. Her comments reignited discussions on journalistic ethics and blurred lines between sports commentary and influencer advertising.
While ESPN has not officially addressed the controversy, online criticism continues to grow.
