After calling COVID-19 vaccine mandates “sick” and “scary” last week on Jay Cutler’s podcast Uncut, ESPN anchor Sage Steele issued an apology and the company suspended her from appearing on air.
The story: Steele apologized for creating controversy for ESPN and the company removed her from her normal programs this week, as Steele continues to face backlash for comments she made on Cutler’s podcast in opposition to vaccine mandates.
“I work for a company that mandates it, and I had until September 30th to get it done or I’m out,” Steele told Cutler on September 29.
“I respect everyone’s decision, I really do, but to mandate it is sick and it’s scary to me in many ways,” she continued. “I’m not surprised it got to this point, especially with Disney, I mean, a global company like that.”
The Walt Disney Company is the majority owner of ESPN, where Steele has worked for a number of years as an anchor on the popular show SportsCenter.
“I get it to an extent, but I think the mandate is what I really have an issue with,” Steele elaborated to Cutler. “I don’t know what comes next, but I do know for me personally, I feel defeated.”
Steele’s apology: After facing backlash for the interview, during which she also questioned why former President Barack Obama identified as black, Steele issued the following statement: “I know my recent comments created controversy for the company and I apologize. We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it’s more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully.”
ESPN indicated that Steele will be out for at least a week, and she will likely also miss the espnW: Women + Sports Summit on October 18 through October 20.
Worth noting: While her absence appears to be due to the recent controversy, Front Office Sports also reported that Steele recently tested positive for COVID-19.
ESPN issued a statement this week concerning Steele’s remarks.
“At ESPN, we embrace different points of view – dialogue and discussion makes this place great,” the statement read. “That said, we expect that those points of view be expressed respectfully, in a manner consistent with our values, and in line with our internal policies.”
ESPN did not reveal the details of the disciplinary action being taken against Steele.
“We are having direct conversations with Sage and those conversations will remain private,” the statement ended.
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