After a tenure of 16 years, Sage Steele bid farewell to ESPN in order to freely exercise her First Amendment rights.
The departure was confirmed by both the former “SportsCenter” host and the broadcasting giant on August 15.
Expressing her decision on social media, Steele stated, “Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely.
I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter.”
ESPN, in response, announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Sage, acknowledging her numerous contributions throughout her time with the company.
The move follows a lawsuit settlement between Steele and ESPN filed in 2022, where she alleged that the network infringed upon her First Amendment rights and Connecticut free-speech laws.
This legal action stemmed from her suspension due to public remarks criticizing ESPN’s COVID vaccine policy and former President Barack Obama’s racial identity during an appearance on the “Uncut With Jay Cutler” podcast in September 2021.
During the podcast, Steele voiced her concerns about the corporate vaccine mandate and shared personal experiences, including feeling slighted by Barbara Walters regarding her biracial identity.
Reflecting on an interaction with Walters, where she discussed race representation, Steele recounted feeling marginalized for identifying as biracial, highlighting her unique family background.
In response to the ensuing controversy, ESPN temporarily removed Steele from on-air duties and major assignments, emphasizing the importance of respectful expression aligned with company values.
Steele issued an apology, recognizing the impact of her comments and advocating for constructive communication amidst challenging times.
Her subsequent legal action alleged mistreatment by ESPN, claiming forced apologies, defamation by colleagues, and insufficient support from management.
Court documents revealed ESPN’s offer to settle Steele’s claims for $501,000.00 plus legal fees, although specific details of the settlement remain undisclosed following her departure from the network in August.
Steele’s departure marks a shift towards prioritizing her freedom of expression, as she embarks on a new chapter beyond her longstanding role at ESPN.
