ESPN Puts Sage Steele On Time Out Following Comments About Obama

“Sports Center” anchor Sage Steele is temporarily off the air at ESPN.

Steele recently made some controversial comments about ESPN’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and questioned why former President Barack Obama identifies as Black even though he was raised by his white mother.

Steele made the comments last week on the podcast Uncut with Jay Cutler.

“Congratulations to the President, that’s his thing. I think that’s fascinating considering his Black dad was nowhere to be found but his white mom and grandma raised him, but okay,” she said.

Steele also said young female journalists bear some responsibility for preventing any harassment they may face in the male-dominated world of professional sports.

According to Front Office Sports Steele was removed after she tested positive for COVID-19, but noted that was only part of the reason for her suspension.

ESPN also “thought it was appropriate for her to take some time off” and are having “direct” and “private” conversations with the Steele. She is expected to be off for at least a week, said sources.

Steele addressed her remarks about Barack Obama and said: “I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize.”

Meanwhile folks on Twitter have been quick to point out the stark contrast in Steele’s treatment and former anchor Jemele Hill after she called then-President Donald Trump a “white supremacist.”

The one on the right is sooooooo different than the one on the left. pic.twitter.com/rcrS6wncPZ

— Carron J. Phillips (@carronJphillips) October 5, 2021

Hill, in a tweet this week, said Steele’s remarks on Obama and female sports reporters amounted to “clown behavior.”