Sports media defends Malinda Adams after Pat Bev’s disrespect

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Milwaukee Bucks guard and professional troll Patrick Beverly made a mockery of himself during and after his team’s loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.

After throwing a ball at a fan During the closing stages of the 4th quarter, Beverely by then continued its journey of bad behavior assaulting a female reporter after the game because she doesn’t subscribe to his podcast.

In the hours since Beverley’s clownish swipe at the producer, ESPN’s Malinda Adams, sports media personalities from across the country have come to her defense.

“To my friend Malinda Adams: You made so many assignments feel safe and comfortable for all of us with your professionalism. You are loved,” NFL Live host Laura Rutledge wrote. “For those who don’t know her, we call her ‘Mama Malinda’ because of her warmth and kindness. She’s one of my favorite people in life, not just at ESPN. It makes me sick to see her being disrespected for no reason while just doing her job. I look forward to the huge apology she is owed.”

Rutledge wasn’t alone in her thoughts on Adams, as people like Brian Windhorst, Marty Smith, Malika Andrews, Randy Scott, Rachel Nichols and more were all outspoken about how kind and professional Adams is.

“Veteran producer Malinda Adams happens to be one of the most respected and professional people we have at ESPN. Bev, you’re going to have to make some excuses for things tonight,’ said ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst.

“Just so you all know, the beautiful soul to whom he directed this foolishness is Malinda Adams, who is one of the kindest, hardest working, best and most respected people in ALL media – not just ESPN – and the dearest of friends for all her friends,” Marty Smith proclaimed.

“Malinda is one of the best in the business, a consummate professional. Not to mention one of the nicest people you will ever meet,” NBA today host Malika Andrews agreed.

Even sports media personalities who no longer work at ESPN came to Adams’ defense, such as veteran journalist Rachel Nichols.

“None of this is okay. The woman he’s addressing is one of the most talented and professional TV producers not just at ESPN but in all of sports media, which makes Pat look even more foolish here. (The fact that he apparently did this with other people before this season is no excuse, it just begs the question of how it could have continued to happen).” Nichols tweeted.

Just before noon on Friday, May 3, Adams himself made a public statement, saying Beverley had called her to apologize.

In their season-ending loss to the Indiana Pacers, Beverley played the most minutes on the team, 40, but only scored 6 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds.