What Happened to Sage Steele? Did Saga Steele Leave ESPN?
by Srinithi
Updated Aug 16, 2023
Who is Saga Steele?
Sage Marie Steele, born on November 28, 1972, is a prominent American television anchor known for her role as the former co-host of ESPN's 12 pm (ET) SportsCenter. She gained recognition as the host of SportsCenter on the Road, offering live coverage of major sporting events like the Super Bowl and The Masters. Additionally, Steele served as the host of NBA Countdown on both ESPN and ABC for four seasons, concluding in 2017.
Before her NBA assignment, Steele spent five years as a dedicated host of SportsCenter, ESPN's flagship program. Her versatile contributions extended to shows like ESPN First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, and SportsNation. Steele's expertise was showcased through her role as the daytime host of SportsCenter during the NBA Finals in 2012 and 2013. Her extensive coverage continued through the NBA Finals from 2012 to 2020, solidifying her as a respected figure in sports journalism.
What Happened to Sage Steele?
Veteran "SportsCenter" anchor Sage Steele is departing from ESPN following a resolution of her lawsuit against the cable network owned by Walt Disney Co. Steele, aged 50, made the announcement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that she is leaving to exercise her First Amendment rights more freely after settling her case with ESPN/Disney.
ESPN confirmed Steele's departure, expressing mutual agreement to part ways and thanking her for her contributions. Steele's legal battle with ESPN began in April 2022 when she filed a lawsuit over being temporarily benched for criticizing Disney's COVID-19 vaccination policy during a podcast appearance in September 2021.
Steele's remarks led to her being pulled from the air and later contracting COVID-19. She argued that ESPN's actions violated her First Amendment rights and claimed unequal treatment compared to other employees. Steele, who had been with ESPN since 2007 and co-hosted "NBA Countdown," also co-anchored the noon edition of "SportsCenter" starting in February 2021.
Did Saga Steele Leave ESPN?
Yes, Sage Steele left ESPN. Sage Steele, a seasoned anchor at ESPN, found herself at the center of a controversy in 2021 when she made political and social comments during a podcast appearance. Her remarks led to her temporary removal from the network, sparking a debate about free speech and journalistic objectivity in the realm of sports broadcasting.
In September 2021, Steele appeared on the podcast "Uncut With Jay Cutler," where she voiced criticism of vaccination mandates and expressed her views on identity. Specifically, she questioned why former President Barack Obama identified as Black despite having a white mother and a father who was not involved in his upbringing. These statements ignited a firestorm of discussion and drew attention not only from sports fans but also from those interested in broader social and political issues.
ESPN, as a major sports network, was not immune to the societal tensions and controversies surrounding COVID-19, vaccination policies, and identity politics. In response to Steele's comments, the network temporarily benched her and later reinstated her after a period of time. The incident raised questions about the extent to which sports anchors and personalities should engage in political discourse and whether their freedom of expression should be constrained by their affiliation with a media conglomerate.
The situation took a legal turn in the following year when Steele filed a lawsuit against ESPN, alleging that her right to free speech had been infringed upon. Her case highlighted the complex interplay between an individual's right to express their opinions and the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a public figure associated with a major media outlet.
The lawsuit brought into focus the tension between editorial control and journalistic independence, as well as the broader societal debate over the boundaries of free speech in the modern media landscape.
Steele's legal action against ESPN underscored the ongoing struggle within the sports media industry to navigate the increasingly blurred lines between sports, politics, and social issues.
As the case unfolded, it prompted discussions not only about her specific situation but also about the broader challenges faced by media organizations in an era where public figures are often expected to weigh in on contentious topics. Ultimately, Steele's lawsuit and subsequent departure from ESPN served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding free speech in the context of sports journalism and the evolving role of sports broadcasters in shaping public discourse.
Sage Steele Early life
Sage Steele is a prominent American sportscaster known for her significant contributions to ESPN's SportsCenter and various other sports programs. Born on November 28, 1972, in the Panama Canal Zone, Steele has had a distinguished career in the field of sports journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sports communication from Indiana University, which she earned in 1995.
Steele's professional journey has been marked by her role as the former co-host of the 12pm (ET) SportsCenter on ESPN. She's widely recognized for her hosting and reporting roles, including her notable appearances on SportsCenter on the Road, where she covered major sporting events like the Super Bowl and The Masters.
Additionally, she hosted NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC for four seasons until 2017. Steele's association with ESPN's flagship show, SportsCenter, was extensive, with her being a full-time host for five years.
In her early life, Steele was raised in an American Army family, which led to her living in various states and countries due to her father's military service. Her father, Gary Steele, gained recognition as the first black varsity football player at West Point and was later inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Sage Steele's diverse upbringing exposed her to different cultures and places, fostering a unique perspective that likely influenced her broadcasting career.
Steele's educational background includes attending Thomas B. Doherty High School in Colorado Springs and later Carmel High School in Indiana, where she graduated in 1990. She pursued her passion for sports communication at Indiana University Bloomington, culminating in her graduation in 1995.
Notably, Steele returned to her alma mater two decades later to serve as the commencement speaker at the 2015 Indiana University undergraduate commencement, an experience she cherished as a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Throughout her career, Sage Steele's dedication to sports journalism and her noteworthy roles have solidified her as a respected and influential figure in the industry. Her diverse background, education, and accomplishments have contributed to shaping her into the accomplished sportscaster she is today.
Sage Steele Networth
Sage Steele, the accomplished American sportscaster, holds an estimated net worth of $1.5 million dollars. Her successful career in sports journalism, including hosting roles on ESPN's SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, has contributed to her financial success. Steele's widespread recognition and contributions to major sporting events like the Super Bowl and The Masters have solidified her status in the industry.
With a diverse background and dedication to her craft, she has garnered both acclaim and financial prosperity, reflecting her significant impact and achievements in the world of sports broadcasting.
What Happened to Sage Steele-FAQ
Sage Steele left ESPN after settling a lawsuit she filed against the network, claiming her right to free speech was violated.
Sage Steele is a prominent American television anchor and sportscaster known for her roles on ESPN, including co-hosting "SportsCenter" and "NBA Countdown."
Sage Steele left ESPN after settling a lawsuit against the network, which she filed in response to her temporary removal following remarks on vaccine mandates and other topics.
In 2021, Sage Steele sparked controversy with remarks on vaccine mandates and former President Barack Obama's racial identity, leading to her temporary benching by ESPN.
Sage Steele's lawsuit against ESPN highlighted the balance between free speech and media responsibilities, shedding light on the challenges faced by public figures in expressing opinions.