Years after her dramatic departure from ESPN, Sage Steele is pulling back the curtain on one of the most personal moments from that career-defining period. During a revealing conversation on her own podcast this week, Steele brought longtime colleague Stephen A. Smith into the studio and revisited the text message that still echoes in her memory.
The Unforgettable Question
Steele described the tense atmosphere in 2020 when she decided to break her silence with a statement to the Wall Street Journal, publicly addressing what she felt was exclusionary treatment at the network. "I was preaching to my own children about standing up for what's right," Steele recalled, "so how could I stay silent out of fear?" The article published, and she returned to the ESPN airwaves physically shaking, anticipating the backlash. That's when her phone buzzed with a message from Smith that cut straight to the point: "Why? How does this help you?"
"I'll never forget that text," Steele admitted, setting the stage for Smith to explain his blunt intervention years later.
Smith's Protective Stance
Smith didn't hesitate to confirm he sent those words. His explanation wasn't about corporate loyalty or network politics—it was about personal protection. "I knew nothing about the specifics of your situation," Smith told Steele, "but I saw the article and I saw your reaction." His concern stemmed from his awareness of Steele's personal circumstances at that time, which he described as far from the happiness she experiences today.
"You had a lot going on," Smith emphasized, careful not to overstep while making his point clear. "It's none of anybody's business unless you want to tell it. But I knew." His worry wasn't about the merit of her opinions but about the timing and potential fallout. This protective instinct from one of sports media's most outspoken figures shows a different side to the often-controversial First Take personality.
Thinking Beyond the Moment
Smith framed his question as coming from a place of long-term concern. "I was thinking about the next five to ten years of your life, your family, your children," he explained. In his view, critics and spectators would enjoy the momentary drama without considering the lasting impact on Steele's life. "They're not thinking about you," Smith said of those who might have been cheering for controversy. "They're thinking about the moment you're going to provide for them to have fodder to talk about you."
This perspective highlights the complex calculations public figures must make when deciding to speak out. While Smith himself is no stranger to controversy—having recently made headlines for blasting special treatment for Tiger Woods—he drew a distinction between professional criticism and personal vulnerability.
The Aftermath and Reflection
The conversation between the two media veterans comes after a protracted conflict that saw Steele suspended by ESPN in 2021, file a lawsuit against the network in 2022, and ultimately reach a settlement in 2023 that ended her tenure there. Their discussion represents a rare moment of reflection on decisions made during that turbulent period.
Steele's willingness to revisit this painful chapter on her podcast demonstrates how the sports media landscape continues to evolve, with former network stars building independent platforms. Meanwhile, Smith continues to navigate his own high-profile role, occasionally generating headlines like when he declared UNC's collapse far worse than Duke's during March Madness.
Their exchange ultimately reveals the human dimension behind sports media headlines—the private doubts, the friendship concerns, and the calculated risks that rarely make it to broadcast. As both personalities continue their careers on different paths, this shared moment of honesty provides insight into the complicated loyalties and difficult choices that define life in the spotlight.
