Mina Kimes has found herself in the news again for the wrong reasons.
On Saturday, the ESPN presenter issued an apology for endorsing Solitaire Cash, a gambling app whose owner, Papaya Gaming, was found to have defrauded players by planting bots into games. Kimes tweeted:
> “The truth is: I didn’t spend any time looking into the whole thing, and that’s 100% on me. Thought it was just typical marketing work, and I’m deeply embarrassed I didn’t vet it. A colossal f-k-up on my part.”
Nevertheless, fan condemnation was swift and intense.
One user, Kinny (@KinnyGames), accused Kimes of being motivated solely by money:
“Money!!!! Money money money money money!!!!! All that matters is money!!!! Ya!!!”
Another, AARON2323 (@AaronSchiro), called the endorsement “Embarrassing,” while Luke (@lateforapex) commented,
“Says a lot about you as a ‘journalist’ tbh.”
Some fans shared personal stories of loss:
“Lost my entire life savings because you promoted this product!” one revealed.
“Donate the money,” another demanded.
“You don’t spend any time looking into anything you talk about,” a third angrily wrote.
Kimes is not the only ESPN employee to have endorsed Solitaire Cash. Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, and Dan Orlovsky have also promoted the app.
In fact, Michelle Beadle condemned Smith’s involvement during an episode of her eponymous podcast with Cody Decker last Thursday, stating:
> “It’s not secret how I feel about that human. Honestly, I’m not a religious person, but I pray for the downfall. I really do. It’s gross.”
### Mina Kimes’ Previous Controversies in 2025
This is not the first time Mina Kimes has been involved in controversy this year.
In June, she spoke out about the media’s coverage of the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, tweeting:
> “The disparity between what’s actually happening in Los Angeles and the way it’s being mischaracterized is one of the biggest stress tests of modern media in recent memory. Botted socials, AI, old clips, declining literacy — it’s like seeing a broken emergency response system hit by a storm.”
Her comments earned criticism from Jason Whitlock, who wrote on social media:
> “We experienced 10+ years of media pretending police officers were killing thousands of unarmed black men every year. LeBron couldn’t even go outside. Mina never said a word. Make it make sense.”
Later last month, Kimes got into a public feud with *Last Chance U* star Jason Brown, which Whitlock also addressed.
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**Related Reads:**
– *2 days after accusing Mina Kimes of manufacturing fake rape charges, coach Jason Brown gets candid on fight with ESPN analyst*
– *”He’s a clout-chasing psycho”: Mina Kimes rips into coach Jason Brown for questioning her game knowledge*
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**Edited by Andre Castillo**
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-nfl-fans-react-mina-kimes-apologizes-promoting-allegedly-rigged-gaming-app
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