ESPN Sends Notice to Laura Rutledge, Other Talents Amid Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 6:40 AM ET

ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge and a number of her colleagues on the network are currently embroiled in a full-blown controversy involving the gaming app Solitaire Cash. The company behind the app, Papaya Gaming, is reportedly battling a federal lawsuit for false marketing. Rutledge promoted the app on social media, which has prompted a decision by ESPN.

Rutledge’s "NFL Live" co-hosts Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky also promoted the app on their respective social media channels. On the NBA side, Kendrick Perkins and Ros Gold-Onwude have been linked to the app as well.

According to a report by Front Office Sports, Rutledge and her colleagues have received an order from ESPN amid the controversy.

SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge speaks prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers.© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Rutledge and Co. promoted Solitaire Cash’s #BeatStephen Challenge, which is a tie-up between Papaya Gaming and ESPN superstar Stephen A. Smith. According to reports, the gaming company is being accused of leading users to believe that they are facing real humans while the app allegedly uses bots to control the outcomes of paid tournaments.

Front Office Sports reports that ESPN has issued a directive to Rutledge and its other talents regarding their partnership with Papaya Gaming.

"ESPN is ordering several on-air talents to cut their marketing ties to controversial Papaya Gaming, Front Office Sports has learned.

"ESPN brass told Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Mina Kimes, and Laura Rutledge to end their promotion of Papaya and its solitaire app, sources say," the report read.

Kimes has already issued a public apology for what she described as a "colossal" mistake. The "NFL Live" analyst claims that she has not been paid for promoting the app.

Smith is now also under scrutiny after being previously named a global ambassador for Papaya Gaming. A report from the New York Post pointed out that Smith "is not mentioned as having to end his relationship with Papaya."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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