Former ESPN host Michelle Beadle did not mince words while strongly criticizing Stephen A Smith‘s recent involvement in the controversial Solitaire Cash promotion. Smith and other ESPN personalities appeared in ads for the real-money gaming app.
On the latest episode of her podcast Beadle and Decker with co-host Cody Decker, Beadle said she was “praying for the downfall”, accusing Smith of prioritizing fame over journalistic integrity.
“Honestly, I’m not a religious person, but I pray for the downfall,” said Beadle. “It’s gross, man, you gotta have principles in this thing.” She adds, “He doesn’t even give a s**t about the stuff that he’s paid a gazillion dollars to talk about. Now he’s turning around and turning that into a money-making opportunity. Then the money-making opportunity looks like it’s a fraudulent crap business to begin with.”
The app’s developer, Papaya Gaming, is currently facing lawsuits alleging deceptive practices, which fueled backlash toward ESPN figures endorsing it.
Smith hasn’t publicly responded, but the controversy adds another layer to their complicated history. The two previously worked together on SportsNation and NBA Countdown before their public fallout nearly a decade ago.
