Sage Steele recently took to social media to express her support for Samantha Ponder following Ponder’s dismissal from ESPN, where she had served as the host of Sunday NFL Countdown. Steele, a former SportsCenter anchor, hinted that the world is about to see a new side of Ponder now that she is no longer with the sports network.
In a heartfelt video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Steele passionately defended Ponder, suggesting that her departure from ESPN could be the beginning of something even greater. “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. “It’s all going to come out, and I hope you’re ready. She is a gem.”
Steele, visibly emotional in the video, spoke about the deep friendship she and Ponder developed during their time at ESPN, bonding over 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,” Steele shared. “And you know what, she’s done that for the last several years at ESPN, even when it was hard.”
Reflecting on their conversations at ESPN, Steele emphasized how Ponder remained steadfast in her beliefs, even during challenging times. “When I was still at ESPN, we would talk about it all the time. And I just need everyone to know, this is a brilliant woman, an incredible mother who’s also made me a better mother … and I’m so excited for her future. It’s so scary when you’re in it; you don’t know if you’re going to ever be OK.”
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Steele expressed her confidence that Ponder’s future holds great things, framing her departure from ESPN as a blessing. “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 added, underscoring her belief that Ponder’s journey is far from over.
In closing, Steele conveyed her pride in Ponder and her gratitude for their friendship. “I love you, [Sam Ponder],” Steele wrote in her post, accompanied by a red heart emoji.
Ponder has yet to publicly respond to her dismissal from ESPN or to Steele’s comments. Known for her outspoken views, Ponder recently made headlines when she praised ESPN College Gameday host Kirk Herbstreit for his stance against men competing in women’s sports.
Sage Steele herself is no stranger to controversy. She left ESPN in August 2023 after settling a lawsuit she had filed against the network. Steele was taken off the air in October 2021 following remarks she made criticizing the company’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. At the time of her departure, Steele stated, “I have decided to leave so I can exercise my First Amendment rights more freely.” Steele had been with ESPN since 2007.
As Ponder navigates this new chapter in her career, many will be watching to see what comes next for the respected sports broadcaster. Steele’s words suggest that there is much more to Ponder than what the public has seen, and perhaps, as Steele hinted, the world is about to witness the true strength and character of Samantha Ponder.
