As a field producer at ESPN, Malinda Adams has made her living behind the camera. But after Patrick Beverley repeatedly snubbed her during a postgame media session on Thursday night, she now finds herself having been thrust into the spotlight.
The incident occurred in the locker room following the Milwaukee Bucks’ season-ending loss to the Indiana Pacers. As reporters stood around Beverley — who had been involved in an altercation with Pacers fans during the game’s closing moments — the 35-year-old took note of Adams standing nearby him with an ESPN microphone.
“Do you subscribe to my pod?” Beverley asked Adams.
“Do I subscribe to your pod? I do not,” Adams replied.
“You can’t interview me then. No disrespect,” Beverley responded.
Beverly proceeded to take a question from a reporter who confirmed that he does, in fact, subscribe to his podcast. But over the course of his answer, the veteran point guard repeatedly asked Andrews to move her microphone and ultimately leave the scrum altogether.
Patrick Beverly tells female reporter from ESPN that she cannot interview him since she doesn't subscribe to his podcast. pic.twitter.com/sRFHiZJaSK
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) May 3, 2024
Beverley’s behavior would have been questionable under any circumstances, but the fact that it involved Adams made it especially notable. In addition to singling out one of the few women in a scrum predominantly comprised of men, Beverley was picking on a well-connected producer, which resulted in no shortage of reaction from her colleagues on social media.
That's Malinda Adams, ESPN legend. He's not a big deal. She is. From Saban to LeBron, she's covered the best ever. He ain't that. But I'm sure his podcast is. Lol pic.twitter.com/s3Rt4ws8EZ
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) May 3, 2024
Pat Bev thinking he could disrespect the great Malinda Adams like that in the locker room, after whipping the ball at Pacer fans. Good luck on your podcast pic.twitter.com/wVYLco9yoS
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) May 3, 2024
Just so y’all know, the beautiful soul to whom he directed this foolishness is Malinda Adams, who is among the kindest, hardest-working, best, most-respected people in ALL of media — not just at ESPN — and the dearest of friends to all of her friends. https://t.co/3af7qejtoi
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) May 3, 2024
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 a couple apologies for stuff tonight. https://t.co/KdQ0VuGoyg
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 3, 2024
To my friend @MalindaAdams, you have made so many assignments feel safe and comfy for all of us with your professionalism. You are beloved.
To those who don’t know her: We call her “Mama Malinda” because of her warmth and kindness. She is one of my favorite people in life, not…
— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) May 3, 2024
Malinda Adams is one of the kindest, nicest people the world has ever produced, let alone among those of us who work at ESPN, and this was absolutely unacceptable in every way. https://t.co/wjFoaoi8kM
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 3, 2024
Not surprised but great to see so many ESPN voices speaking up about veteran producer @MalindaAdams today.
Malinda's been w/ ESPN since '08 and was instrumental in coverage of the NBA Bubble in '20 – among many other accomplishments. For more, read this:https://t.co/ISnZ5Wtwpb
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) May 3, 2024
First the disrespect to Michele Roberts in the NBA Bubble in front of other NBA players and now this… He is who he is. Respect to stellar veteran producer Malinda Adams for her professionalism through that silliness. https://t.co/MLkHm2wfTQ
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 3, 2024
Malinda Adams doesn’t need anyone to defend her.
But I will say this about that excuse for a man. Bless his heart. https://t.co/SGRTlwsZBD
— Nicole Briscoe (@RB_Mrs) May 3, 2024
Yeah, none of this is okay. The woman he’s addressing is one of the most accomplished and professional TV producers not just at ESPN but in all of sports media, which makes Pat look even more foolish here. (That he’s apparently done this before this season to other people doesn’t… https://t.co/2w6gTMnHdo
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 3, 2024
Taking X on Friday morning, Adams revealed that both Beverley and the Bucks have since reached out to her to apologize. The veteran ESPN producer said that she accepted the apologies and appreciated the support she has received from her colleagues following the incident.
“I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humbled,” she wrote. “Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I appreciate it and accept it. The Bucks also reached out to apologize. I’ve been in news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.”
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. The Bucks also reached out to apologize. I've been in news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.
— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) May 3, 2024
Suffice to say, Adams has earned a reputation for her professionalism throughout her career and her response to Beverley’s apology shows why. Meanwhile, between throwing a basketball at a fan (twice) and his behavior toward Adams, Beverley clearly has some more image rehab to do beyond his apology.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.