ESPN’s coverage of Dana White slap controversy was “flat out embarrassing”, says NBA star Kyle Kuzma

ESPN’s coverage of Dana White slap controversy was “flat out embarrassing”, says NBA star Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma reacts to Dana White controversy (Image Courtesy - Heavy.com/Sports Business Journal)

ESPN using Stephen A Smith and Molly Qerim to cover the controversy of Dana White and his wife’s ugly altercation has been questioned by Kyle Kuzma. The Washington Wizards star is outraged by the media’s bias toward UFC President.

On New Year’s Eve, Dana White and his wife were caught on tape getting into a physical altercation at a nightclub in Mexico. The UFC boss was caught slapping his significant other and has since been in hot waters. Unlike other domestic violence issues in the sports world, media houses like ESPN have taken a softer approach to their coverage.

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Kyle Kuzma, an NBA star often vocal on his social media platform called out this special treatment in a series of tweets. Not long ago, ESPN was hands full with their coverage of Kyrie Irving and his ‘anti-semitic’ controversy. Kuzma demands equal outrage from the sports broadcast towards the UFC President’s issue.

“Question to sports media why do you guys pick and choose when you blast ppl.. Dana White??? Hmmm,” wrote Kuzma in his tweet. Following this tweet, Kuzma went on to name-drop ESPN and question their bias. “Coverage on this Dana White situation is flat out embarrassing!!!!” Kuzma wrote in another tweet.

Related: ESPN employees instructed to keep ‘incendiary’ comments about Dana White at bay following slap scandal

Ariel Helwani puts Stephen A Smith on blast for going soft on Dana White

Ariel Helwani
Ariel Helwani

Stephen A Smith, who is usually known for his bold takes, toned his tone quite a bit with his Dana White coverage. The ESPN host believed it was important to mention that White was his dear friend. While Molly Qerim, the co-host, naively mentioned, “I do not judge people on their worst moments.” This episode of ESPN First Take rattled quite a few feathers in the media.

Ariel Helwani, a former employee of ESPN took to the Dan Le Batard Show and blasted the FirstTake hosts for their soft takes. “I don’t understand why. I don’t understand why he [White] gets this pass,” said a furious Helwani. The MMA journalist was puzzled as to why the sports broadcast gave such an easy pass to the UFC head.

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Helwani, on the other hand, exacted poetic revenge on White after this news broke out. The MMA Hour host blasted White for his actions and went on a lengthy rant about their ugly past. It is yet unknown as to what consequences White would face for his actions.

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