ESPN’s Malika Andrews got a rude welcome Saturday during the NBA In-Season Tournament, as fans loudly booed the reporter during her introduction.
After the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Cup, the PA announcer in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena introduced Andrews to present tournament awards.
There were audible boos from the crowd.
https://twitter.com/Bzrsports/status/1733707478527795581
The moment was particularly awkward as it drowned out not only Andrews’ intro, but her own introduction of members of a local Boys & Girls Club who were standing behind her holding medals to present to the winning players.
So why all the vitriol aimed at Andrews in such an innocent situation?
The reporter made headlines recently when former NFL star Dez Bryant called Andrews a “puppet” for not covering the NBA’s handling of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey’s alleged relationship with a minor. Bryant accused Andrews of “crucifying” former Alabama star Brandon Miller, now with the Charlotte Hornets, for his tangential and non-criminal role in a fatal shooting earlier this year.
Many fans jumped in on X/Twitter to amplify Bryant’s outrage. Stephen A. Smith came out in defense of Andrews, saying the NBA Today and NBA Countdown host had to be cautious on the Giddey case.
Andrews originally earned the wrath of fans during the NBA Draft, when she brought up Miller’s situation involving the shooting.
Andrews’ rude welcome in Las Vegas surprised many fans, and her critics and defenders faced off on X/Twitter about the incident.
[Buzzer Sports; Photo Credit: ESPN]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.