ESPN Anchor Leaving Network to Exercise First Amendment Rights, Citing Criticism of COVID Mandates

Sage Steele Announces Departure from ESPN to Exercise First Amendment Rights

Sage Steele, a veteran ESPN anchor, has announced her departure from the sports network in order to exercise her First Amendment rights. Last year, Steele filed a lawsuit against ESPN and parent company Disney, claiming that the network retaliated against her for expressing negative views on COVID vaccine mandates and former President Barack Obama. In September 2021, Steele made these remarks, which led to her suspension. However, she later apologized for her comments.

Former ESPN Reporter Sage Steele Settles Case and Leaves Company

In a recent announcement, a former ESPN reporter, Sage Steele, revealed that she has decided to leave the company after settling a case with ESPN/Disney. Steele expressed her intention to leave in order to have more freedom to exercise her First Amendment rights. She expressed gratitude for her 16 years at ESPN and mentioned being excited for her next chapter.

Steele Opposes ESPN's COVID Vaccination Requirement

ESPN employee Sage Steele expressed her opposition to the company's COVID vaccination requirement during an appearance on Jay Cutler's podcast. Steele stated that she did not want to get vaccinated but was compelled to do so because of the company's mandate. She mentioned that she had until September 30 to comply with the requirement or face potential consequences.

Unidentified Speaker Expresses Concerns about Mandate

In this statement, the speaker, who is not explicitly identified, expresses their respect for everyone's decision regarding a certain mandate. However, they find it sick and scary that the mandate is being enforced. The speaker mentions that they have a job that they love and need, possibly implying that the mandate is related to their employment. They also mention that they are not surprised that a global company like Disney has implemented this mandate, and that it has been an emotional experience for them.

Sage Steele's Controversial Comments on Barack Obama

In a podcast, sports journalist Sage Steele questioned former President Barack Obama's identification as black, citing his absent black father and being raised by his white mother and grandmother. Steele later apologized for her comments, which reportedly came under pressure from ESPN. In April 2022, she filed a lawsuit against Disney, ESPN's parent company. Initially, Disney offered Steele a $500,000 settlement, but her attorney criticized the offer in June.

Disney's Offer to Sage Steele

Disney and ESPN have reportedly offered to pay more than half a million dollars to employee Sage Steele in response to her claims that her right to free speech was taken away. However, attorney Bryan Freedman argues that this offer does not address the issue at hand, stating that Disney cannot buy their employee's constitutional rights regardless of their perceived power.

About Sage Steele

The article provides information about a 50-year-old sports anchor who has been working for ESPN since 2007. She hosted the evening broadcast of "SportsCenter" and was the face of ESPN's "NBA Countdown" from 2013 to 2017. Additionally, the article mentions that The Daily Wire has announced plans for kids entertainment content.