In 2019, when ESPN’s Malika Andrews asked Giannis Antetokounmpo a question about the Bucks’ experience, the Greek Freak walked out without saying a word. That was the first instance of what would become a ripple effect. In the years since, the veteran on-field reporter has drawn criticism for her manner of reporting. Heated spats with Stephen A. Smith and her conduct toward former NBA players in particular have been highlighted.
But she felt like it was necessary to set the record straight on one thing in particular. There was a notion of Andrews being unjust toward Black athletes in particular. In that regard, NFL’s Dez Bryant slammed her for reporting on then-rookie Brandon Miller’s criminal charges. “I don’t know how a former or current NBA player could sit there across from you and look at you with some kind of respect.” he wrote in his scathing tweet.
Until now, Malika Andrews bore the negativity. However, having the chance to justify herself on Dinner with DeMar, the renowned media personnel explained how such comments are “hurtful”.
“The hardest part for me sometimes is stomaching falsehoods, particularly this, ‘You hate Black men. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. And using my family or the way that my family looks as some sort of evidence of that. That is just untrue. And it’s just unkind. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who is credible or someone with a big platform or if it’s someone in their mom’s basement just firing off a post. Sometimes it is hurtful when that seeps through, particularly for me when it’s not true,” she told DeMar DeRozan.
In the age of social media with millions being able to voice their opinions, the trend to bring people down has increased drastically. It’s more due to the varied perspectives each holds on one situation. With Andrews, her style of reporting at times has often divided social media. She did go as far as admitting that she isn’t always perfect and could have at times been in the wrong. However, her one worry is the direction in which social media is trending.
“As social media continues to be bigger in the world, that kindness and that humanity I worry sometimes we are losing” she told the Kings guard.
Giannis Antetokounmpo apologized to Malika Andrews
As previously mentioned, Antetokounmpo walking out on Andrews was probably the earliest instance of a player’s reaction. However, in this case, it wasn’t relevant to anything Andrews said or did against the two-time MVP. In 2019, the ESPN reporter wrote a report about the possibility of the Bucks star being at the end of his patience with the franchise. And that they didn’t reach the Finals “he’s going to want his way out”.
Right before the press conference, Giannis Antetokounpo heard about the report made, which prompted his retaliation. Until now, that seemed to be the end of the story. But Antetokounpo revealed that it was him who was fault during that time. Still just 24, he recently revealed on his brother Thansis’ podcast of how his youth got the better of him.
After having time to gauge his actions, he revealed “I felt so bad”. Hence, he sought out to make amends immediately. “I find her I think on Twitter and I’m like, ‘I’m so sorry for the way I reacted. You did not deserve this. I’m really, really sorry.’” he revealed on the Thanalysis podcast.
Since then, the two have been on good fronts. Before the beginning of the season, Malika Andrews even hosted an exclusive interview with the Milwaukee Bucks talisman speaking about dealing with the height of expectations and his aim with the franchise for this season.
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