Ryan Clark described Sage Steele’s status as a conservative as the worst-kept secret at ESPN. Steele was suspended for 10 days in October 2021 after her appearance on Jay Cutler’s podcast, where she labeled the company’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate as “sick” and “scary.” Following her return to SportsCenter, Steele sued ESPN and Disney in April 2022, claiming a breach of contract and violation of her free speech rights.
The lawsuit concluded with a settlement that led to Steele parting ways with ESPN. However, lingering questions about the lawsuit remain, notably involving Ryan Clark. During an episode of the Michelle Tafoya podcast, Tafoya cited Steele’s lawsuit, which claimed that Clark refused to work with her following her controversial comments on Cutler’s podcast.
Clark responded, “No, so that part of her lawsuit wasn’t false. But in truth, I did work with Sage after that. So, it is inaccurate to say we hadn’t worked together after her Jay Cutler appearance. I had no issue with Sage Steele being a conservative or her vaccination stance; that was the worst-kept secret at ESPN.” He recounted a time at the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston when Steele’s daughter faced backlash due to her mother’s statements. Clark expressed his concern for Steele’s children, stating, ‘It doesn’t matter what your thoughts are. I don’t feel like your kids should be exposed to hate or evil or negativity because of what we said.’
Clark emphasized that he supported Steele during difficult times and maintained a cordial relationship despite differing views, particularly regarding Colin Kaepernick’s protests against police brutality.
“Her stance was very honest,” Clark shared. “I had no issue with that. However, I took offense to her comments about President Obama’s heritage, questioning why he would identify as Black given his father’s absence. As a Black man, I know he will always be seen as Black, regardless of his chosen description.” Clark found this disrespectful, and as a result, felt “uncomfortable” working with Steele.
“I told the producer that day, ‘Could Matt Berry ask my questions?’ Chemistry is essential in TV, and I didn’t want my discomfort to show on screen,” Clark recalled. When asked if Matt could take over his segment and being told no, Clark stated, “I don’t either, which is why I’m asking for Matt to do that segment.” Eventually, as time passed and the situation cooled down, Clark felt comfortable working with Steele again.
Regarding their current relationship, Clark noted, “With Steele no longer at ESPN, we don’t have a relationship. I wish her all the best in her endeavors. She has found a place where she feels she fits and has a voice, which is something we should all be entitled to, regardless of agreement or disagreement.”
