Reunion on the Podcast

Sage Steele and Stephen A. Smith, former colleagues at ESPN, came together on Steele’s podcast this week, revisiting pivotal moments from their time at the network. One significant event mentioned was Steele’s decision to speak out during a critical period for the network, particularly around the time of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

In a Wall Street Journal article, Steele expressed her absence from an ESPN special during that movement and how some of her black colleagues declined to join her show if she were to appear on it. “It was well hidden,” Steele noted, reflecting on the dynamics at play.

Steele recounted a conversation with Smith where he reached out with concerns, asking, “Why? How can this help?” Smith responded by recalling that he felt the same way in his own correspondence with her.

Steele highlighted her gratitude, saying, “I’ll never forget it,” emphasizing that his care for her well-being went beyond professional boundaries. To her, the issue wasn’t just about career or finances but stood firmly on principles.

In a candid moment, Steele revealed that she was contemplating divorce, hinting at personal struggles that coincided with her professional challenges. She articulated the weight of those decisions, acknowledging the impact not just on herself but on her family and future. “It’s easy to make someone go through with things,” she remarked. “But I’m considering the next steps in life, not just the immediate moment.”

Steele departed from ESPN in 2023 after a lawsuit related to her dismissal in 2021, which followed her comments on being compelled to receive the coronavirus vaccine. After settling the lawsuit, she shared that leaving the company allowed her to engage more openly with her First Amendment rights.