ESPN’s Mina Kimes Blasted for ‘Shameful’ Decision On Social Media – Fans Demand Answers

Mina Kimes (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

ESPN personalities like Mina Kimes, Laura Rutledge, and Kendrick Perkins have social media upset over Solitaire.

It all started on Monday when Papaya Gaming named Stephen A. Smith the company’s official ambassador for the first-ever World Solitaire Championship in February.

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This partnership might seem unlikely, but it comes months after he was caught playing Solitaire on his phone at Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

On that same day, Smith posted an AI-generated ad on social media promoting Papaya’s mobile game Solitaire Cash.

“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 said in his advertising announcement.

He was far from being the only ambassador named in the announcement.

A slew of NBA talent, including Dan Orlovsky, Mina Kimes, Laura Rutledge, Ros Gold-Onwude, and Kendrick Perkins, all posted on X promoting the app.

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Social Media Was Disgusted With Mina Kimes’ Comment

Mina Kimes (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The promotions for Solitaire Cash continued on Wednesday with Stephen A. Smith saying, “You can’t beat my score. Nobody can. Download Solitaire Cash. Enter the “Beat Stephen” Tournament.”

All of the aforementioned ESPN personalities jumped into the comment section to reply.

Mina Kimes wrote, “#ad that’s an easy win over here.”

She also took to her page and posted, #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 lost their minds over it:

“You didn’t feel like you were above this? Yikes,” one fan said.

“Nooooo, they got Mina too??? Nooooo,” a second fan wrote.

“You are so much better than this,” a third fan stated of Mina Kimes.

“Promoting an addictive “chase the money” app. Your parents must be proud of your high integrity character,” one final fan commented.

Social media blasting Mina Kimes comes days after she was widely praised for her outfit while posing alongside Laura Rutledge inside AT&T Stadium.