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Mina Kimes Apologizes for Solitaire Cash Promo as ESPN Faces Fallout From Bot Case

Her mea culpa follows court findings that Papaya Gaming used bots in games sold as human-only and an active federal lawsuit over alleged deceptive practices.

Overview

  • Kimes said Saturday she failed to vet Solitaire Cash, called the endorsement a “colossal” mistake, and deleted her post.
  • Laura Rutledge and Dan Orlovsky also removed their promotions, while Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins still have live ads tied to the campaign.
  • ESPN declined to comment on whether remaining talent will pull their endorsements.
  • Court filings and a recent judicial opinion state Papaya Gaming used bots that could influence outcomes in purportedly human-only tournaments, and a federal suit alleging false marketing remains active.
  • Kimes said she has not been paid for the promotion and would give away any payment, as Smith continues to front the app with an AI-themed ad built off his viral on-air solitaire moment.