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“Disappointed” Sage Steele hints at larger conspiracy surrounding ESPN firing of Sam Ponder: “It will all come out”

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As in any field, people are hired and fired. That's the nature of the beast. Sometimes the reason for the firing is justified by both data and pure intuition. But when ESPN decided to fire NFL commentators Robert Griffin III And Sam Ponderthe sports world began to ask questions.

Former ESPN presenter Sage Steele who left the station under unfortunate circumstances, spoke out on the issue. She used her official X and Instagram accounts to talk about the firing. She began by thanking her for being by Steele's side during their time together at the station.


She's an incredible talent. 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. 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. It’s all going to come out, and I hope you’re ready. She is a gem.

Sage Steele said

Steele's words suggest that Ponder was not fired for the reasons ESPN has publicly stated. Instead, there is a deeper flaw in the system. By this, she means the same reason that Sage Steele left the company. Steele had made some comments about the COVID-19 vaccination requirement and transgender athletes. She publicly apologized and continued her job, but later sued ESPN for the interference with her career.

Steele pointed out that the reasons for Sam Ponder's firing may be the same: that the network was not happy with her criticism of transgender inclusion in women's sports. That said, she was not simply fired to cover up the firing of Robert Griffin III.

The firing of Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III shows that ESPN is taking a new direction in NFL broadcasting

Both earned seven-figure salaries annually, but according to the network, they didn't work much to justify that salary. Sam Ponder was the host of Sunday NFL Countdown, while Robert Griffin III was a core contributor to the Monday Night Football broadcast.

ESPN fired former quarterback Robert Griffin III yesterday
ESPN fired former QB Robert Griffin III yesterday (Image via Imago)

The recent hiring of recently retired Jason Kelce Griffin III from that role. Since he now has a much smaller role compared to the All-Pro Super Bowl champion, the network probably didn't see the point in continuing to pay him. That is, if you ignore his arguments with the network veteran Paul Finebaum. However, it does show that the network is restructuring its NFL broadcast teams.

It seems Tom Brady Signing a contract with Fox influenced this decision. It may have forced ESPN to rethink the way it handles its broadcast. Griffin III's firing may have had a realistic reason after all, but Sage Steele's comments surrounding Sam Ponder will give many people pause.

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