With ESPN firing the host of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Sage Steele says the world will soon get to see the real Samantha Ponder.
The former “SportsCenter” anchor defended Ponder and explained that “all will be revealed” in a video posted to X. This came shortly after ESPN fired Ponder and football commentator Robert Griffin III for budgetary reasons.
“It’s another loss for ESPN, but a gain for literally the whole world, because now you’re going to see the real Sam Ponder,” Steele said. “All will be revealed, and I hope you’re prepared. She’s a gem.”
Steele appeared emotional while describing his friendship with Ponder, who he said they grew close at ESPN because of their similar values and beliefs.
“Samantha has taught me so much about God, about the Bible, about not giving up and about standing tall,” Steele said, “and she’s done that these last few years at ESPN, even when it’s hard.
“We talked about it all the time when I was at ESPN, and I just want everybody to know: She’s an amazing woman, an amazing mother, and she raised me to be a great mother, and she raised me to be a better mother. And I’m so excited for her future. When you’re in that situation, it’s really scary, because you don’t know if you’re going to be OK.”
“Sam already knows this is a blessing that God has given him because he still has so much work to do.”
Steele went on to explain that he is very proud of Ponder and is honored to call her a friend.
“I love you, [Sam Ponder]”, Steele writes: It also includes a red heart emoji.
Ponder has yet to address the situation publicly.
She’s outspoken in her opinions, most recently praising ESPN’s “College GameDay” host Kirk Herbstreit for reiterating her position that men don’t belong in women’s sports.
Steele left ESPN in August 2023 after the two parties settled. The lawsuit she filed She was taken off the air in October 2021 over comments she made about the company’s COVID-19 vaccine policy.
“I decided to leave so I could more freely exercise my First Amendment rights,” said Steele, who has worked at ESPN since 2007. I said at the time.
