Michelle Beadle Criticized for Inappropriate Comment About Josh Giddey During ‘Run It Back’ Broadcast

The Chicago Bulls have been one of the early surprises of the NBA season, sitting in the upper half of the Eastern Conference standings despite recent struggles. Chicago has dropped three straight games against likely playoff contenders, but the team’s solid start has largely been fueled by the emergence of guard Josh Giddey.

Giddey, acquired during the offseason, has flourished in his new role with Chicago. His improved three-point shooting and advanced playmaking have drawn praise across the league, positioning him as a potential first-time All-Star candidate. His performance has been a major storyline for a Bulls team that entered the year with modest expectations.

During a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” show, Giddey’s All-Star prospects became the topic of discussion. Analyst and former NBA player Chandler Parsons highlighted Giddey’s chances of being selected under the new All-Star Game format that includes a “World Team” component. Parsons praised Giddey’s play but noted that he may not be among the most marketable stars for fans.

However, what began as a basketball conversation quickly turned controversial after co-host Michelle Beadle made a joke referencing the off-court scandal Giddey faced two years ago — an incident that had been thoroughly investigated and closed without charges.

1. Beadle’s Comment Draws Backlash

As Parsons discussed Giddey’s All-Star potential, Beadle interjected with a remark many viewers deemed inappropriate. “I bet one is. I bet one kid is. It’s in LA. That’s the closest stop to Australia — I guarantee one kid is there for Giddey, facts,” she said, alluding to the previous allegations made against the Australian player. Beadle’s statement was widely interpreted as referencing the unfounded rumor from 2023, when an anonymous social media user alleged that Giddey had been involved with an underage girl. The comment immediately sparked criticism online, with many calling it unprofessional and insensitive. At the time of the original allegations, both local authorities and the NBA conducted investigations. Police later confirmed that no criminal charges were filed, and the league similarly found no evidence to substantiate the claims. The matter was closed, allowing Giddey to continue his career without disciplinary action. For many fans and media observers, Beadle’s decision to revisit the debunked controversy was viewed as both unfair and unnecessary — particularly in the context of a discussion focused on Giddey’s on-court success.

2. Giddey’s Redemption on the Court

Since joining the Bulls, Giddey has taken significant steps forward in his development. The 22-year-old guard has demonstrated a more confident perimeter game and greater command as a primary playmaker, helping to balance Chicago’s offense. His versatility has made him a cornerstone of the Bulls’ surprisingly competitive start. After facing immense scrutiny during the scandal two years ago, Giddey’s rise this season has been seen as a professional and personal comeback. He has largely avoided off-court distractions, focusing instead on consistency and leadership. Many around the league have praised his maturity in moving past the incident and redefining his reputation through his play. The Bulls, meanwhile, are eager to build momentum despite recent losses. With matchups against the Detroit Pistons and other Eastern Conference opponents ahead, Chicago will rely heavily on Giddey’s composure and steady performance to maintain its early-season positioning. Though Beadle’s comments briefly reignited public conversation around the old allegations, the player’s focus remains squarely on basketball — a reflection of how far he has come since the controversy first emerged.

3. Beadle’s Reputation and Show Fallout

Michelle Beadle, once a respected sports journalist and former ESPN anchor, has faced criticism before for her blunt on-air personality. However, this latest incident has drawn particular attention due to the sensitive nature of the subject and the lack of factual basis for her remark. Fans and analysts on social media called the comment “unprofessional” and “in poor taste,” arguing that it undermines journalistic integrity. Some suggested that the attempt at humor reflected a growing trend of shock-value commentary in sports media designed to generate attention rather than insight. FanDuel TV has not issued a public statement regarding the exchange, and Beadle herself has not commented on the backlash. However, the moment has reignited broader conversations about the responsibility of sports media figures to handle past controversies with accuracy and respect. For Giddey and the Bulls, the focus remains internal — continuing to build on a promising start while blocking out distractions. As the team prepares to face Detroit on Wednesday, the 22-year-old guard’s play continues to speak louder than any off-court noise.