Laura Rutledge (Photo By Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)

It’s been a tough week at ESPN, and Laura Rutledge has suddenly found herself in the middle of the drama. The popular host of NFL Live is under fire from fans who want her to apologize after getting involved in Stephen A. Smith’s much-ridiculed solitaire promotion. What started as a fun idea has turned into a big headache for several ESPN personalities.

It all began when Stephen A. Smith was caught playing solitaire during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Later, he turned the moment into a joke by becoming an ambassador for a mobile solitaire game. Other ESPN hosts like Laura Rutledge, Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, and Ros Gold-Onwude joined in to promote it.

At first, it seemed like a harmless promotion until people learned more about the game’s parent company, Papaya. The company is now facing a federal lawsuit for allegedly using “fake bots” to rig tournaments and misleading players into believing the game is based on skill.

After the news broke, fans was furious with the ESPN hosts for backing the brand. Mina Kimes quickly apologized, but Rutledge hasn’t said anything yet, and fans aren’t happy about her silence.

Fans Push On Rutledge For Accountability

Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge shown on the set on the field before the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Fans have flooded social media, urging Rutledge to follow Kimes’s lead and address the controversy.

“You knew Mina would be one. Really disappointed how Rutledge has evolved,” one fan wrote on X.

Another said, “Oh no. Not you too.”

Kimes’s apology was accepted well. ESPN reporter Jenna Laine said, “Best part about you is that you’re REAL, Mina, and you navigate all that ‘human stuff’ with so much grace under an intense spotlight. Always proud to know you and root for you,” 

Front Office Sports reported that ESPN declined to comment on whether Rutledge, Smith, or the others plan to issue statements. “ESPN declined to comment Saturday night on whether Smith and the others will follow Kimes’s move. But Kimes’s public mea culpa indicates talent see the damage their reputations took from the solitaire affair,” FOS said.

For now, Rutledge remains quiet. Fans, however, aren’t backing down. Whether she speaks up or stays silent could say a lot about how ESPN’s on-air talent handles accountability.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.