Michelle Beadle Critiques Stephen A. Smith’s New Role with Papaya Gaming Amid Controversy

Michelle Beadle, known for her outspoken views in the sports media landscape, recently went on a fiery rant against Stephen A. Smith over his ambassador role with Papaya Gaming, a mobile games company promoting the upcoming World Solitaire Championship (WSC).

Beadle’s Outspoken Critique

During a recent episode of the “Beadle and Decker” podcast, co-host Cody Decker brought up Smith’s new position as the official ambassador for Papaya. Responding vehemently, Beadle stated, “It’s no secret how I feel about that human,” pointing out that Papaya is facing a federal lawsuit accusing it of deceptive marketing practices regarding “games of skill” that allegedly employed unbeatable bots.

• Citing Allegations: According to a report from Front Office Sports, these bots have led to unfair gaming conditions, where players have little to no chance of winning.

Beadle went further, stating, “Honestly, I’m not a religious person, but I pray for the downfall. I really do.” She emphatically argued, “It’s gross, man. You gotta have principles in this thing.”

Papaya Gaming and Smith’s Controversy

Smith’s partnership with Papaya arises in the wake of him being caught playing Solitaire on his phone during an NBA Finals game he was covering for ESPN. This moment quickly went viral, which leads to questions about his commitment to his job as an analyst.

Key Takeaways from the Situation

• Duality of Role: Amid the controversy, Smith attempted to leverage his celebrity by publishing an AI-generated advertisement that poked fun at his own viral moment to promote Solitaire Cash, a game produced by Papaya.

• Espousal of Ethics: Beadle criticized Smith’s actions, remarking on how he, despite being a well-compensated sports commentator, seemed unbothered by his dual roles, calling it a blatant disregard for the integrity of sports journalism.

“ESPN pays him a gazillion dollars to get a lot of stuff wrong and yell… He gets caught playing solitaire during the NBA freaking Finals. It’s embarrassing,” she declared.

The Bigger Picture

Beadle didn’t hold back when discussing the role of ESPN in the matter, blaming the network for allowing Smith to thrive in an environment where he has repeatedly disrespected his professional commitments.

• Failure of Ethics: She emphasized that ESPN “created this monster that’s bigger than you now” by giving him free rein, undermining the journalistic standards expected from a sports analyst.

Additional Context

In the lawsuit filed against Papaya, certain allegations are particularly troubling:

• Fraudulent Practices: The legal documents indicate that Papaya has been accused of using tailored bots that control tournament outcomes. This manipulation effectively ensured that human players could neither win nor lose based on their actual skills.

• Judicial Remarks: A judge noted, “It is undisputed that Papaya used tailored bots to control the outcomes of tournaments,” raising questions about the ethics of the gaming industry.

What’s Next for Beadle and Smith?

After parting ways with ESPN in 2019, Beadle continues to establish her brand as the host of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, a platform where former players analyze NBA games. Her disdain for Smith isn’t new; she has openly criticized him for taking over her time slot on Sirius XM radio with his show that launched in September 2025.

Conclusion

As the discourse surrounding Smith’s role in sports media continues to evolve, Beadle’s candid remarks highlight the complexities of balancing personal brand with professional ethics in the sports industry. The outcome of Papaya’s lawsuit will serve as a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping public perceptions of gaming integrity and sports commentary.

For more insights on the ethics in sports media, check out resources from Front Office Sports and follow developments from ESPN.