Mina Kimes, an ESPN NFL analyst, expressed her embarrassment over her involvement in promoting a solitaire app. Her colleague, Stephen A. Smith, partnered with the app called Solitaire Cash, which he was seen playing during the NBA Finals. Kimes, along with Dan Orlovsky and Kendrick Perkins, also promoted the app on their social media accounts.
Mina Kimes’ Admission of Error
Kimes publicly acknowledged her lack of research regarding Solitaire Cash. She stated, “I didn’t spend any time looking into the whole thing, and that’s 100% on me.” She called it a “colossal mistake” on her part.
Additionally, Kimes clarified on BlueSky that she did not receive compensation from the app. She committed to donating any future earnings from the partnership.
Background on Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash is owned by Papaya Gaming. This company has recently faced legal issues related to alleged false advertising. Reports revealed that Papaya Gaming used in-house bots from 2019 to 2023, leading to a lawsuit.
Legal Issues Faced by Papaya Gaming
- Motion to dismiss the case was denied.
- The company dropped its dispute over the use of bots.
- The current case revolves around allegations of user deception.
- Papaya Gaming ceased the computer vs. human matchups.
Social Media Impact
Stephen A. Smith actively engaged his followers by challenging them to beat him in the game. His involvement has contributed to the app’s visibility, raising questions about the promotion ethics among sports analysts.
Conclusion
The situation has sparked a conversation about responsibility and due diligence in promotional partnerships. Kimes’ candid reflection on her oversight serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough vetting in influencer marketing.
