Blake Griffin Trailer Sparked Online Criticism
Former NBA star Blake Griffin faced backlash after a trailer for his new show featured a joke about Brian Windhorst.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
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Blake Griffin released a trailer for his upcoming show, The Stepback, which includes a jab at sports analyst Brian Windhorst. Social media users, including Brendan Kaminsky, have criticized the joke as being inappropriate.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the tension between former athletes transitioning into media roles and established sports journalists. Public perception of Griffin's new venture has been complicated by the critical reaction to the promotional clip.
Blake Griffin is a 37-year-old former athlete who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2009 NBA draft out of Oklahoma. The show, which does not feature guests, will air weekly on Tuesdays.
The players
Blake Griffin
He is a 37-year-old former professional basketball player who entered the league as the No. 1 draft pick in 2009.
Brian Windhorst
He is a prominent sports journalist and television analyst known for his reporting on the NBA.
Brendan Kaminsky
He is a social media user who participated in the public critique of the show's trailer.
The details
The show, titled The Stepback, features Griffin delivering sports commentary while sitting behind a desk in front of a live studio audience. The trailer specifically shows Griffin making a comment about video podcasts while an image of Brian Windhorst is displayed on screen.
Timeline
Blake Griffin was selected No. 1 overall in the 2009 NBA draft.
The trailer for the new show was released on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The show is scheduled to make its debut on October 20, 2026.
Episodes of the program will air weekly on Tuesdays.
Season Trajectory
Griffin's venture reflects a broader shift toward athlete-led media projects that compete directly with traditional sports journalism outlets. This development marks a new phase in how retired athletes influence the sports broadcasting ecosystem.
Viewers can access the show starting October 20 on Prime Video and YouTube to see how the final product aligns with the controversy sparked by the trailer. The show's format will notably lack traditional guests, focusing entirely on Griffin's solo commentary.
The takeaway
When transitioning into media, professional athletes must navigate the thin line between humor and professional criticism. Readers looking to follow the show can monitor the official debut on October 20 to determine if the program's content matches the tone set by its trailer.
What happens next
The Stepback will premiere on October 20, 2026, and will continue with weekly episodes every Tuesday on Prime Video and YouTube.
Further reading
Explore more industry news in the Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you believe public figures should be held to a specific standard regarding humor about others?
