The sports television network ESPN is denying a report that they are banning Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley from appearing on the channel. The network says Beverley hasn't faced any discipline from the broadcasting company, after a tense exchange occurred between the player and a producer who works for the network.
“He isn't banned and never was,” ESPN said, per a statement.
Beverley and ESPN
Things haven't gone too well for Beverley following a recent NBA Playoff game between the Bucks and Indiana Pacers. The Pacers knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs in a six game series. In Game 6, Beverley seemed to lose his cool on the sideline as he was seen throwing a basketball into the stands at Pacers fans. The behavior drew the ire of several sports television personalities, including former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley.
Things got even murkier for the guard after the game, during a media interview session. With reporters gathered around him, Beverley made waves by asking a reporter if she listened to his podcast. When she said no, Beverley commented that he would refuse to answer any of her questions. Things got even more tense as he swatted away her recording equipment, before finally asking her to leave the reporter pool altogether.
The reporter in question is named Malinda Adams, who works at ESPN. Beverley has since apologized to Adams for his behavior, per the reporter.
“I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humbled. Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I appreciate it and accept it,” Adams said, per her social media. “The Bucks also reached out to apologize. I've been in news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.”
It seems there's no bad blood between Beverley and the sports broadcasting network, since the incident. While a report stated Beverley wouldn't be allowed on ESPN, that doesn't appear to be the case. It will be interesting to see how soon it will be before the guard shows up on a ESPN program. In the past, Beverley has appeared on the popular shows First Take and Get Up, per Yahoo Sports.
It will be also interesting to see how Beverley approaches the subject on his own podcast. The Bucks are now out of the playoffs, and the guard will have more time this offseason to dedicate to his own show. The Pacers are moving on to face New York Knicks in the next round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, following the Bucks series.
On the season, Beverley averaged 6 points a game for Milwaukee. He had two games scoring in double figures during the Pacers series, with a 13-point performance in Game 5. Beverley finished that contest with a double-double, adding 12 assists. This was his first season with the team. He has also played for seven other franchises in his lengthy NBA career.
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