ESPN Cuts Ties with Controversial Gaming App Amid Legal Concerns

ESPN has instructed its on-air talent, including Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Mina Kimes, and Laura Rutledge, to terminate any promotional relationships with Papaya Gaming’s solitaire app, following unsettling revelations regarding the company’s practices.

Background on the Controversy

The decision comes after the sports network faced backlash when its star, Stephen A. Smith, became involved in promoting the app. Smith was named the “global ambassador” for the World Solitaire Championship on November 3, 2025, and engaged in marketing campaigns like the #BeatStephen Challenge. This drew criticism from former ESPN staff regarding the ethics of associating with a company currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit.

Claims Against Papaya Gaming

A federal lawsuit alleges that Papaya Gaming has:

• Falsely marketed gaming experiences as skill-based.
• Employed tailored bots to manipulate the outcome of tournaments.

These serious allegations have raised eyebrows and led to immediate action from ESPN’s leadership.

Immediate Actions Taken

Kimes has publicly distanced herself from the promotion, describing her involvement as “a colossal f–k up” and admitting she didn’t thoroughly research the app. Following this, she, Orlovsky, and Rutledge have scrubbed their social media profiles of any promotional content related to the app.

Specific Steps Taken by ESPN

• Termination of Marketing Relationships: ESPN executives took the initiative to end all associations with the app, ensuring that their personnel align with the network’s standards.
• Proactive Communication: Sources reveal that ESPN execs were not given the chance to review the Papaya deal before its announcement, prompting an urgent reassessment of their partnerships.

Stephen A. Smith’s Position Ignited Controversy

Despite the widespread directive for talent to distance themselves from the app, Stephen A. Smith’s promotional posts regarding the app remain active, including a recent tweet promoting the “Beat Stephen” Tournament.

Smith’s Response to Legal Concerns

In a recent podcast, Smith addressed the controversy, stating:

“We’re aware of the recent legal developments involving Papaya and the broader skill/gaming space. My team is currently evaluating the accuracy and merits of the claims made. I want to be very clear. I do not support nor condone any company engaging in fraudulent or unfair gaming practices.”

This statement indicates that Smith and his team are actively assessing the situation to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Conclusion

ESPN’s swift response to the controversy surrounding Papaya Gaming underscores its commitment to maintaining its reputation in the sports industry. The network’s proactive measures aim to safeguard its talent and audience from possible unethical practices attributed to the gaming app. As the situation develops, the spotlight remains on Smith, who continues to navigate the complexities of his association with the company amid growing scrutiny.

For more details on gaming ethics, check out this article on gambling regulations.