Sage Steele opens up following ESPN exit: ‘This is so much bigger than me’

Steele announced her departure from ESPN Aug. 15

Sage Steele announced her departure from ESPN in August after 16 years

"The three controversial topics about my thoughts with women in sports and just how we present ourselves," Steele said. "That’s my opinion, that’s my experience through 25 [years] at the time, 27 years in this industry, many times as the only woman in locker rooms, etc. That’s my experience and my opinion. 

ESPN Analyst Sage Steele talks on set during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors June 7, 2019, at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. (Rey Josue II/NBAE via Getty Images)

"About being biracial and why I choose to acknowledge both my mother and my father. That’s my opinion and that’s my experience. And that’s what I am. I’m both and I’m proud. So, I didn’t think that really was an issue. I was telling a story on something that involved ‘The View’ and Barbara Walters from 2014, when Barbara Walters brought up comparing me to Barack Obama. So, this is seven years prior. To me, this was old news. It was just another person asked me a question about why I’m so passionate about acknowledging both sides of my family. 

"And, finally, with the vaccine. The mandate. And I was very careful to make sure that I respected everybody’s opinions. And that my issue was with being forced to do it. And the fact that I had complied. I had literally just come from getting the mandatory shot. I waited until the very last second because I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it. So, I complied but still could have an opinion." 

SAGE STEELE SAYS ESPN 'SILENCED' HER AND OTHERS: 'THE OPPOSITE OF EQUITY, TOLERANCE AND INCLUSION'

Shortly after her appearance on Cutler’s podcast, Steele issued an apology, one she fought but was told was necessary to keep her job. 

"I was livid. I was fighting it, but I was told by my agent that if I didn't apologize, then I would not have a job," Steele told Fox News Digital.  

"I didn't have a choice, and I had to apologize. And I was forced to work with their head PR guy. I remember a very long call that night trying to come to an agreement on what I would say. And they were very adamant that I didn't say Disney or ESPN and I say ‘the company, the company, the company.’

"So, that was a tough time to be forced to apologize for something I didn’t feel I should be apologizing for." 

ESPN's Sage Steele also expressed support for Riley Gaines. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Steele said there were people unhappy with her for apologizing but hopes that, in taking a stand, those who may be afraid to share their opinions will find courage through her story.  

"I had a lot of people who were mad at me for apologizing and saying, ‘You’re a sellout. I'll never watch you again. And you're just like the rest of them.’ And I felt the responsibility, that if I'm going to preach about this and how it's not fair, then I need to go all the way with this. 

"Because there's too many people who feel scared, who felt like I did for so long. So, what a waste all of this would have been. The roller coaster of the last couple of years would have been such a waste to not take it further and try to help others not be afraid. 

"Most importantly, I really hope that companies — other companies — from Disney all the way down as big or as small as you can imagine, can see this and say, ‘You know what? That actually isn't diversity, equity and inclusion and tolerance and acceptance. It's being more divisive, and it's not the right way to run a business. Don't we want everybody to buy our products and to watch our programing? Why are we choosing?’ So, I hope companies can take note of this and just be equal and fair."