Malika Andrews Addresses Backlash Over Her Coverage Of Black NBA Athletes
Malika Andrews (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Last year, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant publicly criticized sports journalist Malika Andrews. He accused her of being racist in her commentary. Bryant argued that Andrews showed a double standard in how she treated certain issues in sports. He advised her to be careful about framing discussions through race.
Andrews, the host of NBA Today on ESPN, received significant backlash following Bryant’s comments. Recently, during an episode of Dinners with DeMar, she addressed the criticisms regarding her coverage of Black NBA players. The sports journalist denied the accusations of deliberately targeting Black men.
“That’s been the hardest thing for me sometimes is stomaching the falsehoods, particularly this [idea of], ‘you hate Black men,’ that couldn’t be further from the truth, and using my family or the way that my family looks as some sort of evidence of that. And that it’s just untrue, and it’s just unkind. We all have jobs to do, and I try to do my best to show up every day that (NBA athletes) know what I’m about.” Andrews said.
Andrews comes from a mixed-race family. She was born in Oakland, California, to Mike, a personal trainer, and Caren, an art teacher. On August 24, 2024, she took a significant step in her life by marrying her longtime boyfriend and fellow ESPN colleague, Dave McMenamin, in her hometown of San Francisco.
Exploring the Feud Between Dez Bryant and Malika Andrews
The incident began when sports commentator Andrews mentioned Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller in connection with the tragic shooting that occurred in Tuscaloosa, involving his former teammate Darius Miles.
According to multiple reports, it was revealed that Miller allegedly delivered a firearm to Miles, which was later used by another individual to fatally shoot 23-year-old Jamea Harris. The discussion intensified when Andrews expressed her viewpoint on the matter, which prompted backlash from Bryant.
Bryant disagreed with her comments and compared the situation to the controversy surrounding NBA player Josh Giddey. Giddey faced scrutiny for his involvement in a relationship with a minor.
VIDEO: Victor Wembanyama Explains San Antonio Spurs’ Fourth Quarter Struggles Following Narrow Defeat Against Chicago Bulls
Victor Wembanyama (Image Credit: @SpursReporter/X)
Fans at the United Center observed a fierce contest between the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs exhibited strong performances during the initial three quarters but struggled significantly in the fourth quarter. In light of this disappointment, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama recently addressed the outcome.
The Spurs scored 15 points during the fourth quarter, ultimately leading to a disappointing 114-110 defeat against the Bulls. In the post-game press conference, Wembanyama addressed the team’s challenges in the final quarter, providing insight into the Spurs’ performance issues.
“Teams adapt during the game, and maybe we don’t adapt enough. But it is definitely something that I’m going work on predicting the adjustment of the defence because right now, for sure, we need to have more than one plane.” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama displayed stellar efforts against the Bulls for the team. He scored 23 points, four assists, and 14 rebounds in 35 minutes of play. However, these efforts were not enough to clinch the win.
Victor Wembanyama Shares His Mindset For The Upcoming Games
The Spurs are facing a challenging situation in the 2024-25 NBA season. They currently sit at the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 18 wins and 18 losses. Any additional losses could make the remainder of the season even more difficult. Following their recent loss to the Bulls, Wembanyama reflects on his mindset for the upcoming games.
