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ESPN Stars Apologize for Promoting Sketchy Solitaire App Backed by Stephen A. Smith
10 Nov
Summary
- ESPN's Mina Kimes deletes tweet endorsing Papaya's Solitaire Cash app
- Kimes admits she didn't vet the app and is "deeply embarrassed"
- Other ESPN hosts like Dan Orlovsky and Laura Rutledge also deleted posts
On November 10, 2025, it was revealed that several ESPN stars, including Mina Kimes, had promoted a controversial Solitaire app backed by their colleague Stephen A. Smith. Kimes, one of ESPN's biggest personalities, admitted she was "deeply embarrassed" after deleting her tweet endorsing the Papaya's Solitaire Cash game.
Kimes and four other ESPN talents - Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge, Ros Gold-Onwude, and Kendrick Perkins - had posted sponsored content for the app, promoting a "#BeatStephen" challenge featuring Smith. However, Kimes later acknowledged that she "didn't spend any time looking into the whole thing" and called it a "colossal f***-up" on her part.
Kimes also claimed she hasn't been paid for the promotion and said she would donate any earnings to charity. Meanwhile, Orlovsky and Rutledge have also removed any trace of the app from their social media accounts.
The Papaya Gaming app is currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit over claims it falsely marketed "games of skill" that were rigged with "unbeatable" AI bots. Smith, who reportedly earns $40 million per year, was recently announced as Papaya's "official ambassador" for an upcoming World Solitaire Championship.
The controversy has sparked widespread criticism, with former ESPN host Michelle Beadle publicly calling out Smith and describing Papaya's business as "fraudulent crap." Despite the backlash, some fans have expressed sympathy for Kimes, arguing she may not have known the full extent of the company's alleged wrongdoings.
