ESPN silenced Sage Steele on discussing Lia Thomas, but she defied their orders
ESPN Anchor Sage Steele Defies Former Employer’s Request to Stay Silent on Trans Swimmer Dominating Women’s Swimming
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has revealed that she was told by her former employer to stop discussing the dominance of trans collegiate swimmer Lia Thomas in women’s swimming. However, Steele defiantly disobeyed this request.
During a conversation with NCAA swimmer-turned-advocate Riley Gaines, Steele expressed her unwavering support for female athletes like Gaines, stating that she was willing to fight for them no matter the consequences.
“I was asked to stop tweeting about it. I was asked to stop doing anything, saying anything about it on social media because I was ‘offending’ others at the company,” Steele recalled. “I made sure I sent off another tweet that night after I received that email. Because, no, let’s stop living in this lie.”
Steele pointed out the hypocrisy of ESPN allowing other public figures at the company to discuss unrelated political issues while silencing her on a topic directly related to sports. She firmly stood her ground, stating, “If we’re gonna preach on ESPN, and all of these things, then I’m gonna stand up for all these women — many of whom are afraid to do what Riley Gaines is doing, to do what I’m doing, at a much lesser level than Riley.”
“This is a hill I will die on, 100%,” Steele declared. She emphasized that the facts, science, and biology support her stance and challenged anyone to prove her wrong or tell her to stop supporting women.
Sage Steele says ESPN told her to stop talking about Lia Thomas – a man destroying women in the pool – but she refused to comply.
Incredible bravery from @SageSteele. pic.twitter.com/wh9CyHESrd
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) December 27, 2023
Last year, Gaines competed in the women’s 200 freestyle at the NCAA Division I Women’s Championships and tied with trans-identifying swimmer Lia Thomas, who had previously competed on men’s teams. However, Thomas was given the only fifth place trophy for a photo-op, while Gaines was informed that her trophy would be mailed to her.
Steele faced consequences for criticizing ESPN and The Walt Disney Co.’s COVID vaccine mandate during an appearance on Jay Cutler’s podcast, “Uncut.” She was taken off ESPN airwaves and removed from high-profile assignments. Steele later filed a lawsuit against ESPN.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
“Despite fully complying with ESPN’s policy, Sage Steele was punished for speaking her truth in violation of freedom of speech protections under Connecticut law and the U.S. constitution,” stated her attorney Bryan Freedman last year. “ESPN violated her free speech rights, retaliated against her, reprimanded her, scapegoated her, allowed the media and her peers to excoriate her and forced her to apologize simply because her personal opinions did not align with Disney’s corporate philosophy of the moment. Sage is standing up to corporate America to ensure employees don’t get their rights trampled on or their opinions silenced.”
The lawsuit was settled this year, and Steele left ESPN to exercise her “first amendment rights more freely,” as she announced on social media.
How does Sage Steele’s decision to speak out reflect her commitment to fairness and equality in women’s sports?
Her decision to speak out. She revealed that she was demoted from her position at ESPN and was taken off hosting duties, despite her successful tenure at the network. However, Steele remains resolute in her stance and continues to advocate for fairness and equality in women’s sports.
The debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports is a contentious one. While some argue that transgender women should be able to compete based on their identified gender, others raise concerns about the potential advantages they may have due to biological differences. This issue has sparked intense discussions and ignited passionate opinions from various individuals and organizations.
Steele’s refusal to stay silent on Lia Thomas’ dominance in women’s swimming reflects her commitment to women’s rights and her belief in the importance of preserving fair competition. She recognizes the courage of athletes like Riley Gaines, who are willing to challenge the status quo and demand a level playing field.
The fact that ESPN sought to silence Steele’s opinions is a stark example of the selective nature of freedom of speech within certain organizations. Steele rightfully pointed out the inconsistency of allowing other public figures at ESPN to engage in political discussions while imposing restrictions on her ability to discuss an issue directly related to sports.
Steele’s defiance highlights the need for open dialogue and continued examination of the transgender athlete issue in women’s sports. By refusing to bow down to pressure, she has become a powerful voice for athletes who may feel marginalized or unable to express their concerns.
The crux of Steele’s argument lies in her assertion that facts, science, and biology support her stance. She challenges anyone to prove her wrong or convince her to stop supporting women in sports. Her unwavering dedication to this cause serves as an inspiration for those who believe in fair competition and the preservation of the integrity of women’s sports.
The impact of Steele’s actions extends far beyond her own experiences. By bringing attention to the issue, she has sparked a broader conversation about the complexities of transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Her bravery in speaking out serves as a beacon of hope for athletes, advocates, and supporters who strive for a more equitable future.
In conclusion, ESPN anchor Sage Steele’s refusal to stay silent on Lia Thomas’ dominance in women’s swimming is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fairness in sports. Despite the consequences she faced, Steele stood her ground and continues to advocate for female athletes. Her actions have generated important discussions surrounding transgender inclusion in women’s sports, and her bravery serves as an inspiration to those fighting for equality.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...