ESPN, anchor Sage Steele part ways after settling lawsuit

ESPN and broadcaster Sage Steele have parted ways, the network announced Tuesday.

Steele, who was at ESPN for 16 years, said on social media that a lawsuit with her now-former employer was settled. She sued ESPN in 2021 after she was suspended for making comments on the "Uncut with Jay Cutler podcast, telling the former NFL quarterback about Disney's policy concerning the coronavirus vaccine. 

"I work for a company that mandates it and I had until September 30th to get it done or I’m out," Steele told Cutler. "I respect everyone’s decision, I really do, but to mandate it is sick and it’s scary to me in many ways."

She also made comments about the lineage of former President Barack Obama and how women in society dress.

In the lawsuit, Steele claimed the network violated her First Amendment rights and free-speech laws of Connecticut, where ESPN is headquartered.

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ESPN had denied she was suspended. Before the settlement, a trial had been set to begin next March.

"Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely," Steele said on social media. "I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!"

"ESPN and Sage Steele have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank her for her many contributions over the years," the network said in a statement.