ESPN Stars Slammed for ‘Disgusting’ Social Media Antics

Laura Rutledge and Stephen A. Smith (Photos via USA Today)

In the midst of ESPN and YouTube TV being in a carriage dispute, sports personalities on the Worldwide Leader in Sports are now taking backlash over their actions online.

Earlier this summer, Stephen A. Smith was caught playing Solitaire on his phone during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

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He denied it back then, but his next actions proved it when he posted a rather bizarre AI-generated commercial promoting gambling through the popular mobile game Solitaire.

“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,” Smith says in the ad, which he shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Papaya Gaming, the company behind Solitaire Cash, is clearly shelling out cash to Smith as well as rounding up several of his ESPN colleagues.

More ESPN Personalities Join In On The Solitaire Ad That Sparks Backlash

ESPN Logo (Photo via Google)

On Wednesday, Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge, and Kendrick Perkins all used their Twitter accounts to post ads for the popular mobile game Solitaire.

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Papaya is doing this to promote this month’s upcoming solitaire “world championships” in Miami, which they say they will fly 400 people out to compete for some $300,000 in prizes.

Ad @stephenasmith, who’s the winner now?! Who else wants the sweet taste of @solitairecash victory? Download, join in #BeatStephen, and don’t forget to share your score,” Laura Rutledge said.

#Ad @stephenasmith who’s the winner now?! Who else wants the sweet taste of @solitairecash victory? Download, join in #BeatStephen and don’t forget to share your score pic.twitter.com/04hyvzTc8A

— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) November 5, 2025

Dan Orlovsky added: “Ad Alright @stephenasmith ….you got me this time But I’m coming back stronger — who’s joining me in the @solitairecash #BeatStephen challenge?! Download and let’s see who can top his score ♣️.”

#Ad Alright @stephenasmith ….you got me this time But I’m coming back stronger — who’s joining me in the @solitairecash #BeatStephen challenge?! Download and let’s see who can top his score ♣️ pic.twitter.com/b8609UIPr8

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 5, 2025

ESPN star Mina Kimes, who brought about a ton of backlash for her participation, said, “#ad Getting in practice before the game instead of during it @stephenasmith. Anyone else think they can #BeatStephen—try at @solitairecash and post your score.”

#ad Getting in practice before the game instead of during it @stephenasmith

Anyone else think they can #BeatStephen—try at @solitairecash and post your score pic.twitter.com/eWJDtr4BxT

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 5, 2025

Fans from all corners of the NBA community flooded social media with reactions, memes, and plenty of jokes.

“What do we want from ESPN? To be able to watch football on YouTube TV. What do we get? Political takes and solitaire ads,” one fan said.

“When ESPN personalities aren’t insisting that you visit a website to whine about YouTube TV, they’re shilling for……solitaire?” a second fan stated.

“ESPN’s highest-paid employee pushing Solitaire gambling with an AI ad. Everything about this stinks,” a third fan wrote.

“I like Mina Kimes, but WTF is actually happening at ESPN. Are personalities really that desperate for cash to promote an AI solitaire game? How down are you guys?” one final person added.