Sage Steele, an ESPN SportsCenter presenter, has been taken off the air due to both a positive COVID test and controversial podcast comments.
What’s Happening:
- As Variety reports, Sage Steele is taking some time off the air after appearing on an unaffiliated podcast where she made some controversial comments.
- Steele referenced President Barack Obama’s racial background, ESPN’s vaccination policy, as well as comments about female journalists.
- She also recently tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Variety sources.
- She will no longer be taking part in the ESPN espnW summit, which focuses on women in sports.
- It is reported that Steele will return to full duty sometime next week.
What They’re Saying:
- ESPN provided a statement from Sage Steele, where she said: “I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize. We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it’s more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully.”
- Steele said in a statement provided by ESPN: “I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize. We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it’s more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully.”