Jalen Rose is still a sports analyst for ESPN and other Disney-owned properties despite rumors of his termination that stem from an incident involving fellow anchor Malika Andrews and her armpit.
Rose is the subject of misinformation as Twitter users have speculated the NBA-player-turned-commentator got fired for sexual misconduct while on air.
On March 29, on the daily episode of Andrews’ NBA Today show, where Rose is a frequent guest, an awkward hug between the host and guest caused a surreal moment on TV, and a video on Twitter helped spread that clumsy mishap.
BREAKING: Jalen Rose has been fired by ESPN for inappropriately touching a coworker. pic.twitter.com/sD6wFymXyj
— Buttcrack Sports (@ButtCrackSports) March 29, 2023
Rose may or may not have accidentally stuck his fingers into Andrew’s armpit
Giving him the benefit of doubt, Rose pivoted from the embarrassing moment to greet his fellow host and former NBA player Richard Jefferson with a dab.
The uncomfortable exchange, with Andrews demanding Rose to “get your finger out of my armpit,” led a Twitter user befittingly called “ButtCrack Sports,” a social media account “famous parody and satire account known for making up headlines” to trick the ill-informed masses.
ButtCrack Sports tweeted that the former basketball player was fired for “inappropriate behavior.”
The tweet came from a parody social media account, and neither ESPN nor Disney has made a public announcement regarding Rose.
Outside of Disney, he hosts a podcast and writes a column at The New York Post called The Renaissance Man.
Rose is known for his outspoken personality and has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. He is also known for his philanthropic work and is the founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter high school in Detroit that focuses on leadership development and academic achievement.
Andrews, a 28-year-old broadcaster who joined ESPN in 2018 as a writer and made an on-camera presence debut during the coronavirus pandemic three years ago, has not voiced her opinion on the viral moment.
The young talent is an Emmy-winning personality, and she was the first woman to host the NBA draft in 2022.
She has been an outspoken advocate for women in sports and sports media, and she is not afraid to object to men on the network.
Last year, Andrew opposed Stephen A. Smith’s commentary on his own flagship morning program, First Take. The argument originated from a discussion about Ime Udoka’s suspension and whether or not the women involved in the cheating scandal should be held to some accountability.
Rose has made a name for himself in the NBA and sports media industry. The Detroit native has played for the Wolverines while attending the University of Michigan. In 1994, he was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA draft. He went on to play for several teams during his 13-year NBA career, including the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns.
After retiring from playing, Rose transitioned to a career in sports media, working as a commentator and analyst for ESPN, ABC, and NBA Countdown. He has also appeared in several films and television shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Get Up, and Jalen & Jacoby.
