Sage Steele Speaks Out After ESPN Fires Sam Ponder
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has shared an emotional message following
ESPN’s decision to fire Sunday NFL Countdown host Samantha Ponder and football analyst Robert Griffin III due to budget cuts. Steele, who became close with Ponder during their time at ESPN, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her thoughts, saying, “It’s all gonna come out.”
“This is another loss for ESPN, but it is a gain for literally the rest of the world because now you’re going to see the true Sam Ponder,” Steele said in a heartfelt video. “She is a gem.”
Steele, visibly emotional, highlighted how her friendship with Ponder was built on shared values and faith. “Samantha has taught me so much about God, about scripture, about the Bible, about not giving up and about standing tall,” she said. Steele also spoke about how Ponder has inspired her to be a better mother and friend.
“I’m so excited for her future,” Steele continued. “It’s so scary when you’re in it; you don’t know if you’re going to ever be OK. Sam already knows that this is such a blessing that God is bestowing upon her because there’s so much more for her to do.”
Steele ended her message with words of admiration: “I love you, [Sam Ponder],” adding a red heart emoji. Ponder has not yet publicly commented on her departure from ESPN.
Ponder, who has been outspoken on certain issues, recently made headlines for supporting ESPN's College Gameday host Kirk Herbstreit’s stance against men competing in women’s sports.
Steele herself left ESPN in August 2023 after settling a lawsuit regarding her suspension following comments about the network’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. She explained at the time, “I have decided to leave so I can exercise my First Amendment rights more freely.”
As the sports world watches closely, Steele’s emotional tribute to Ponder serves as a reminder of the deep bonds formed behind the scenes at ESPN.
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