Sage Steele Opens Up About ESPN Departure, Lawsuit, Cancel Culture, Diversity & Race | Ep 518

After 16 years at ESPN, Sage Steele parted ways with the sports broadcasting giant in August following the settlement of her lawsuit against the company. Sage joins Jason for an intimate and revealing conversation about the culture at ESPN, the controversy over her comments on Barack Obama on ABC’s “The View,” the Jay Cutler interview that landed her in hot water in Bristol, the discrimination that led to her lawsuit, and the price she has paid for standing up for her values and principles. Sage also shares her story of growing up as a biracial girl in Indiana, the bravery and sacrifices of her family, and where she’s headed for the next chapter of her life.
#jasonwhitlock #fearless #blazetv #sage #sagesteele #espn #lawsuit #discrimination #woke #race #politics #abc #theview #barackobama #obama #biracial #biracialfamily #jayculter #jaycutlerpodcast #jemelehill #mariataylor #elleduncan #womeninsports #trans #sports #podcast
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[@brianstrawser3654]

This is the kind of integrity and wisdom that can't be taught. Well done Sage.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

She waited for her money then went rogue.

[@mayimbe2198]

@@petergianakopoulos4926 Smart.

[@michaelford1602]

She is absolutely gorgeous as well. I find it hard to believe she had a hard time getting dates!

[@mayimbe2198]

@@michaelford1602 Believe it or not, more than Beauty you need certain swag to get dates, basically honest and well intentioned individuals have a hard time getting dates, bitches and assholes are always able to find a pray, their evilness attracts.

[@craigezell4261]

​@@michaelford1602Bet they regret it now.

[@robertwilliams2609]

I really admire this lady. ESPN is pure garbage.

[@Tina-zh2xb]

Sage is a beautiful lady inside and out❣ May God continue to bless her life 🙏🏻

[@bluealchemist6776]

Sage is so remarkably brilliant and incredible! A great woman, mother, and human being! ESPN/Disney shame on you for losing such a wonderful talent!

[@revealingtruth3329]

Yea this here is an example of a REAL woman. This is the answer to Matt Walsh’ question

[@davemartino5997]

Disney don’t care it’s all about their agenda .

[@Blackrain7920]

She a fraud too

[@arthurplant5962]

Saga Steele is the new Sally Hemings?

[@Blackrain7920]

@@arthurplant5962 who

[@shatz956]

What a show Jason and Sage! Jason, please offer Sage a seat on the show or get her on the Blaze! Please! 🙏🙏 God bless you both for speaking the truth and your honesty and openness. Can't give this episode enough likes.

[@mayimbe2198]

Soon she will have her own KZbin channel TV show just like Jason, and Jason will be the one to help her get started.

[@jkidz6410]

Now I know…Sage is a super cool, intelligent pioneer woman. I’m so proud of you Sage for standing up for your parents! Great interview Jason👏🏾😍

[@ervinhowell928]

💖 I agree

[@Blackrain7920]

She still goofy espn showed her who she really is

[@dantewillis4809]

@@Blackrain7920please explain.

[@CarlosRenfroe]

Best interview by far. Love seeing Sage in a format where she's more than an anchor. This was a lot more personal than the other interviews she's done since she left ESPN.

[@exdemocrat9038]

She is absolutely fantastic. What an amazing woman inside and out.

[@doc_jackson]

My respect for Sage Steele has increased exponentially. Thank you so much for this excellent interview!

[@lauriagrantiii]

This is definitely one the best episodes you’ve curated JW. Thank you Sage for your authenticity, vulnerability, and leaning into sharing your story. 🙏🏾

[@markstine1874]

What a privilege to get to witness an authentic interview conducted by true journalists. Great job to both of you this evening and thanks for a wonderful conversation.

[@Rickypaleo1776]

So this is the only Chanel you watch😅

[@asow1708]

The show is one to remember: Very thankful to hear her journey.

[@foreverwood1963]

@@Rickypaleo1776 LOLOLOLOLOLOL Good one

[@exdemocrat9038]

You have a great future ahead Sage. You have so much love and support from millions of us. We love you Sage! I am looking forward to seeing your new chapter.

[@jv-hv8ep]

Jason,Sage, thank you for a very enlightening, candid conversation, kudos to the both of you

[@davidmwilliams7052]

cancel culture is canceling the culture of straights this is the climate change that replaces us with them the devil is very clever playing with words causing confusion with hidden lies causing chaos the easiest way to destroy people get them to do it to themselves now you why that spirit is call the adversary and destroyer of men's lives

[@LifeLongEducation212_7]

I LOVE SAGE “THE SAVAGE” This is my favorite episode. Please come back on the show soon. What a brave person you are.❤

[@thomasplante6012]

This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen between 2 people of great principle and honor. God bless you both🙏🙏

[@MC-1976Mei]

Jason please invite Sage back on. Really enjoyed listening to her, she's so smart, I learned so much. She's AWESOME!

[@alvarotorres5981]

What a compelling show, glad to see n hear Sage tell her story…. FEARLESS!

[@ijeff2005]

Probably the best interview I've seen Sage do recently. She was relaxed, open and honest, confident and unapologetic. My respect for her only increases when she speaks. Also, kudos to Jason for creating an interview environment where Sage could be comfortable speaking so openly.

[@macmoney88]

Always been a huge big fan of hers. She’s so feminine, classy, respectful and of course beautiful

[@fredflintstone1863]

Excellent interview!!! Sage, I haven’t watched ESPN and sports in general since they consciously began inserting leftist politics followed by gagging on their woke religion. Your comments and expressed opinions tonight has created great admiration and appreciation for you as a person. Thank you.

[@ultraman1red]

Love Sage Steel! Pure Class and Beauty!

[@bluegold36RR]

🤡

[@macmoney88]

Always been a huge big fan of hers. She’s so feminine, classy, respectful and of course beautiful

[@mbpark270]

Sage you were on my flight to Atlanta 2 weeks ago & I didn’t say hello cuz I don’t like to bother people on their own time but had I known your backstory i would’ve definitely thanked you for being so strong & vocal as a biracial person. I am a father to biracial kids & me & my wife will be teaching them to love both sides as well. Btw she’s even more beautiful in person.

[@tombimashri8149]

Dometimes u can geniunly love nd respect both sides but, the question is do both sides love, respect nd embrace you. Its tough being mixed race for sure in Africa, Worldwide mixed are just left out. Msybe mixed race who have made should promote nd other mixed race worldwide, everyone else is doing that.

[@mbpark270]

@@tombimashri8149 Not sure what ur talking about. She’s talking about honoring both her parents not what stupid strangers think. Society or strangers can drop dead if they don’t like it.

[@nickolascaldarera7182]

Great conversation. It’s honest. If anyone has a problem with this conversation it has to do it with them.

[@jerrywilliamson2040]

If a network had the balls to show this interview and it was fairly judged Jason Whitlock would be an Emmy winning sports journalist

[@TheInterestedObserver]

We need to forget about the networks now, it is old news, WAY more people are watching off-network content than on, I have no idea why it still holds such a grip in peoples' psyches. The numbers tell the story.

[@peggyharris3301]

Jerry Williamson…yes I agree

[@mayimbe2198]

@@TheInterestedObserverAccess, if you are not with a network, so much is not accesible to the streaming creators, so the networks still holds a lot of power. Doing it independently via streaming is the last result for those who are basically banned from TV.

[@TheInterestedObserver]

@@mayimbe2198 it’s dead, they just don’t know it yet. Wanna watch this oh that is Hulu oh this is Disney oh that is Netflix. Oh this game is fox oh that one is CBS. It’s DEAD! The future is everything all the time, all music all movies, all sports. Will take a few years but I said this 15 years ago and it WILL happen

[@deanwalker7216]

Amen

[@michaelcleveland3997]

This woman right here! This episode blessed my soul. Thank you Jason. Thank you sage.

[@timjohnson5528]

What a lovely lady... I'd be proud to be associated with such class. Nothing she said is controversial to me. What a world.

[@roderickwilliams7181]

Jason good job. When you were kc I rode with you. You brought shock value to the kc suburban thought. You also challenged the urban cores thought process. Get off Prime tho, we have a visual representation that might not get killed before the blood clots...ijs Anytime a black can bring black people together and some whites, you know the deal. If color wasn't a problem, king, x, meridith...ect might still be alive. Floyd, Taylor...ect idk, the world is changing. We can't sit in our ivory towers tho and say lettum kill each other, can we? Rev.Rod

[@dreesdog7]

Now for those who think this is brilliant journalism and Emmy awarding winning. 18 min in he disparage Maria Taylor's accomplishments and chalks it up to her being 6'2 and beautiful. And Sage doesn't correct him. Let me know where this interview is going. Every woman he mentioned except Sage is white. So only white female journalist are rewarded for their hard work? Black women are rewarded because they are sexualized. Jason Whitlock and Sage Steele are the worst of Black Journalism.

[@greenbluephantom3970]

Freedom in deed involves having your own land separate from your enemy. Free thinking is pointing out Black crime of stealing hubcaps while ignoring whites who are stealing nations according to Jason and Sage. Go against the masses of your own Black people. The "mixed mulatto" was produced as a BUFFER between whites and the Black masses. Treat the mulatto a little better and have BOTH fighting for the white crumbs rather than the whole cake.

[@greenbluephantom3970]

Master Fard Muhammad,Elijah Muhammad's teacher, is "biracial"BLACK as His Father is Black and His mother a cleaned up Caucasian. He is a part of BOTH peoples. His Judgement is that America is number one on His hitlist for destruction; and that the Caucasians are absolutely disagreeable to live with in peace.

[@barrystokes1396]

Lovely lady indeed haven't associated lady and female together in the last 5yrs... females are disasters waiting to happen. No disaster in this lady 🎉😊

[@d_nasty747]

As an mixed race kid (white mom, black dad) that grew up in the 80’s.. the story about her grand parents and high school is like looking into a mirror.. happy she always took the high road.. Sage is pure class!

[@Omni-King2099]

Nobody cares. How many times are you going to bring that story up???

[@chuckwilcox9183]

So glad there is a part two!!!!!! I could watch Fearless with Jason Whitlock and everyone of your friends seven days a week!!!

[@nostalgiaman6816]

Where is it?

[@sergeantbee2503]

Jason’s line of questioning was really insightful and shows his skills as a journalist.

[@middleageblackman6196]

cmon jason is everything bad black,white people profitted off our labor,ive seen it in my work history,once you make it to the top,you start looking down on other black people.

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Best show ever, brought me to tears ! Tho I’m white , I’ve been thru so much similar to Sage in different way. Started crying 90 minutes into show ! Your reward is great Sage , keep the faith. When I went thru my divorce after 28 years that broke my heart as I never wanted that. My ex psychiatrist told me the pope should canonize me for sainthood and my reward is great ! I’m the white guy who wanted to be friends with both races but never excepted because I refused to align with one over the other. I’m a Christian first ! Black and white peers both alienated me , but I have a few true friends all races ! You are a hero. My dad hated when people would say “ everybody does this “. He’d say “ are you everybody or are you …you “ ! Be your own man and stay true to your faith !

[@steveo3831]

Me too! It’s ok to cry. Couldn’t help it

[@Chewpa_Miverga_786]

This interview was great. Jason opening up about some of his family/personal business was interesting. Respect to Sage and Jason for this.

[@Blackrain7920]

Silence

[@DisciplineDave]

This was the greatest conversation about race on the internet. Thank you Jason for having Sage on and being so honest about your life experiences. I wish that more black people were this honest. You are truly fearless.

[@stephensoldo]

Jason, this is one of the most illuminating and touching interviews I have ever seen. Excellent journalism. Courageous.

[@nickt.7305]

I knew this was going to be good when I saw it was Sage but it exceeded my expectations. Everyone can learn something from this interview. Credit to Jason for having a relaxed setting that allowed her to freely share.

[@davidbanner9344]

Absolutely!🙏

[@ervinhowell928]

My favorite Fearless show yet 🙏Thank you Jason for bringing Sage on 💥💟

[@danielsh1015]

I saw her with Megyn Kelly, but as good an interviewer that she is, the dimension of this conversation is in a whole different level. My respects to Sage Steele!

[@Kezonenyc]

Shout out to Sage Steele for such great courage, a trait that’s in scarcity in 2023.

[@christopherspiros3762]

What a powerful, powerful interview. My wife and I were glued to this, sharing your tears. Well done, Jason and Sage.

[@Mcbmibrand]

JASON:❤❤❤ This interview... no words can describe how I feel. The best I can do is INCREDIBLE! I laughed and cried, especially when Sage talked about her experience at school and the boys, principal, and German teacher. That experience showed what one good soul, one light can do. Who knows what direction her life would have taken had that teacher not stepped in. I also cried when she spoke about her parents and grandparents. People can change, but it has to come from the heart. Her father's consistency in reaching out to her parents, his willingness to move towards them in kindness planted seeds. Showing love and mercy is what God asks us to do. It changes things. Sage sees people like I do. We are all human. Like you said we should gravitate towards those who we 😢🎉 common values and beliefs, no matter their color. Thank you for having her on.

[@th5708]

Sage Steele the epitome of class and courage!

[@foolsplay5880]

What a couple to have Sage Steele sharing with my favorite, Jason Whitlock. This is the melding of sports, social indices, cerebral exchanges. I am relieved that Sage Steele is no longer at ESPN. This is a LADY who performed her duties with class and grace. Thank you, Jason

[@the1magageneral323]

She is better than all of those woke black people there like Shannon Sharpe.

[@revealingtruth3329]

Facts

[@bryanlong9602]

For me, being American is all about using your mind and following your heart. You two are superlative examples.

[@revealingtruth3329]

Amen to that

[@williamrahming5401]

This is my second long interview with Sage and I could watch and listen to them both again and again. Such an amazing woman. Such a strong and smart woman. Such a Mama Bear. Very inspiring and encouraging. As someone who has thought differently going way back to the Clinton era, I can seriously relate. Taken a lot of heat for my positions over the years and times have gotten crazier! She has inspired me to be more outspoken. Great interview!

[@timmiller8591]

Thank you both for your willingness to share part of your story

[@tallrugger]

This episode should be required listening for EVERYONE!! Fantastic, open, honest discussion. Very brave! Great job and thanks for putting this out there.

[@nateh152]

Jason, you’re on top of your game! Sage is special. Great interview

[@user-jc9tt6us1c]

The Sage Steele interview was fantastic. I have so much respect for such a remarkable woman. I would love to see her story on television.

[@walterbyrd322]

This was an awesome show and Sage is going to be victorious in whatever she does because she is a professional and very talented. This was probably the best interview I have ever heard and you can see how Jason is a great journalist. Those two hours flew by.

[@NotYourAverageNegro8]

That was an incredible interview. I am thankful for shows like this. Amazing job to the interviewer and the interviewee. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@christophersettles1712]

Amazing interview. These are the conversations you need to have as a society.

[@lloydgray829]

Sage is so real, not many, man nor woman has her courage, I wish her nothing but the best. I pray to God that she have the success that she deserves. It's tough when it seems like the whole world is against you when you only want what is right. Stay strong Sage, better days are coming.

[@jwmdlm07]

Best episode of fearless HANDS DOWN!!! Bravo

[@revealingtruth3329]

Great show

[@tientran7492]

I loved that moment with Sage and Sonnen light hearted back and forth and that she went with it about the hair without making it into an offensive thing. That showed well adjustment and strength. What a strong, beautiful, classy lady.

[@dl_arneson612]

I really hope Sage can be a regular guest on Fearless!! I really, REALLY enjoyed listening to her life story and your interview with her!! Congrats Jason!

[@kenyongray2615]

That was an excellent interview by Jason with Sage. I have seen her interview with others but Jason brought up things that I have not seen her discuss before. That is the mark of someone who knows what he is doing. God bless Jason and Sage.

[@heyitssmopy]

No other show out there is having conversations like this. Incredible, inspiring, and real. Love it!

[@cottonstikibar9921]

Sage Steele has a new fan in me! What a great Show/Interview ! This was awesome 👍

[@thomaspremeparsons9390]

To back-to-back bangers! I love where you’re taking the show big bro! #fearlessforlife

[@chuckwilcox9183]

Amazing interview!!! These are things we have to fix with the American people!!! This is a big start!

[@lizspangler6585]

Sage is amazing and was blessed with wonderful parents! Her journey in life has lead her to be even better than what ESPN could ever do for her since they didn’t deserve her talent!

[@jonathanb1068]

It sounds like ESPN is like how high school was

[@marilynwasko3668]

Thank you for sharing! Such important story! Go forth with continued strength and courage ❤❤❤! Pure Love has no color ❤❤❤

[@burnt_owl]

Great interview Whitlock! These 2 hours with Sage Steele flew by, one of your best

[@brokers122]

Jason deserves the Emmy. He knows the pace of the interview, when to interject, when to prompt, and when to listen passively and remain thoughtfully silent. Great work!

[@bubbagump150]

Best show ever hands down. Looking forward to Sage's next endeavor.

[@leoglaser3805]

Always liked Sage Steele even as a kid before anything political. I always thought she was there for merit, great on TV. One of many people I’ve liked that turn out to be good Christians, even without knowing you know

[@yvonnewilliams2729]

Best interview on this podcast so far. She is truly amazing!!! I stand with SAGE!! We need more men and women like her who will speak truth to power.

[@times542]

She’s a mental patient

[@drummerboyj70]

God bless you Sage. Thanks Jason for doing this interview. Sage's interview with Megyn Kelly was great, but this was on another level. To both of you, Thank You!

[@phillipjames9148]

Such a beautiful, wonderful show!!! Sage Steele is an incredible woman. I am a big fan of her!!!❤❤❤❤

[@twowheelz4life205]

Would love to see Sage be come part of the FEARLESS Army! I want to see her on the show just like The Korean Cosell!

[@tylervanmarter7303]

I’m here, even though college football is about to be on, because Sage is awesome.

[@SpuddersSpud-ps6dd]

No one cares.

[@davemartino5997]

@@SpuddersSpud-ps6ddobviously You do , you’re here complaining 😂

[@tylervanmarter7303]

Ah you sure showed me! Good job. @@SpuddersSpud-ps6dd

[@Riles3152]

This was a tremendous and compelling interview. All the best to Sage Steele in life and future endeavors.

[@juliedorn2203]

Thank you Jason for having Sage on your show. Sage - you are simply refreshing and inspiring. Keep being you.

[@ronalddavidson9265]

I was a fan of Sage Steele before. And now I'm a even a bigger fan of hers. What a strong beautiful woman. And strong soul. So fearless. Stay steady and healthy and strong. You will do wonders for not only woman but people as a whole for ebcorangwment. .

[@michaelweber5702]

Ronald do you mean encouragement ?

[@davemartino5997]

@@michaelweber5702it’s obviously a typo 🙄

[@amya.5852]

Glad you had Sage on your show. Her view is important. Wish her the best.

[@michaeldutcher4107]

What makes this interview amazing is that’s it’s truth and 100% real. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@quintinperkins5997]

One of the best episodes! Thank you both! Please do more of this.

[@steveb2424]

This interview is a 100000000 out of 10 wow great job jason!! Sage is beautiful, smart , knowledgeable shes my favorite and what happened to her is bs. I hope she starts a podcast or gets back into media❤❤❤

[@revealingtruth3329]

Absolutely brilliant interview

[@philliphinton1172]

What a brave woman you are I love your story

[@douchebagout]

This is the best interview that i have ever seen. Just an honest and laid-back conversation between friends. Whitlock and Steele make a bomb ass team. She gotta stay on this show. Make it happen guys

[@revealingtruth3329]

Phenomenal interview

[@TheInterestedObserver]

it is not a bad shout if the blaze found a segment for her to do to ease back into broadcasting. Jason has Favre, Sap, Steve Kim, Coach JB, TJ and Reese as solid contributors now

[@MCN168]

Wow, Sage spoke volumes about the good ol days.

[@DavidB-1969]

I’m biracial. 54. Born in KC, grew up in small white farm town. Me and my brother were the ONLY minorities of any type. Zero issues!! Being biracial is the BEST!!!

[@fleafarts3576]

I’m glad I raised my biracial girls in the Military. They have expressed the same thing.

[@jrmcmickle]

You're always saying that this is your best show..I think you found it as I'm wiping the tears from my eyes..awesome chat this is what we need more of..

[@Wyant_Family]

You two are rock stars! God bless you both! Thank you for having this difficult, and very important discussion. You have tackled some deep issues.

[@MC-sj2ji]

Loved this interview. Stay STRONG SAGE.

[@aaronbeard7254]

Truly fearless interview! Thank you!

[@User_Happy35]

Great show! I don't follow American sports but i love the social commentary from Jason and his guests.

[@terryfortney6595]

What a powerful show. Both Sage and Jason were absolutely great, sharing their history.

[@meldogg64ify]

Best show to date. I enjoyed every minute.

[@ervinhowell928]

I love the fact that Sage has peace 🙌

[@tfrance1965]

Great job on the interview, Jason. Sage Steele is just an awesome individual.

[@marccortes2612]

Would love to see Sage a be a part of the fearless crew… she is FEARLESS!!!

[@dj7973]

Sage is awesome. Thank you Jason.

[@kip2shy]

Wow, Sage I made the same comments in the past. I did group therapy with a group of girls and told them that you guys market what you attract. I urged them about this, but also reported that this didn't justify men being sexually inappropriate. I explained to them that they shouldn't be shocked by the attention that they get, if they dress a certain way.

[@revealingtruth3329]

Facts

[@shomoncarney1850]

Thank you Jason & Sage for this masterpiece!

[@dgblac0]

This is one of your best episodes ever. A back and forth conversation is a rarity these days.

[@Awakened.for.good1967]

Sage is the best!

[@lanceuppercut3758]

Excellent interview. Excellent Americans

[@thomasbailey3511]

This was a really bare it all type podcast with Sage Two great people who value theirselves above ESPN and selling out 👍

[@tannergates6030]

Amazing interview. Thank you so much Jason and Sage.