The former SportsCenter host claimed “everything is going to come out” as she defended the fired Sunday NFL Countdown host in an emotional video.
“This is another loss for ESPN, but it’s a gain for literally the rest of the world because now you’re going to see the real Sam Ponder,” Steele said in a clip posted to social media on Friday.
“It’s all coming out, and I hope you’re ready for it. She’s a gem,” she continued.
The network fired Ponder and football analyst Robert Griffin III earlier this week as part of a cost-cutting measure, though many speculated whether the 38-year-old was fired over her controversial comments about transgender people.
Sage Steele spoke out after her friend Samantha Ponder was fired from ESPN
The former SportsCenter host left ESPN in 2023 after more than 16 years with the network
Steele then explained how she had become friends with her former colleague, with whom she had bonded over their shared faith.
“Samantha taught me so much about God, about Scripture, about the Bible, about not giving up and standing up. And you know what, she’s done that over the years at ESPN, even when it’s been tough,” she said.
“When I was at ESPN, we used to talk about it all the time. And I just want everyone to know that this is a brilliant woman, an incredible mother who has made me an incredible mother, who has made me a better mother … and I’m so excited for her future. It’s so scary when you’re in it; you don’t know if you’re ever going to be okay,” Steele continued.
“Sam already knows that this is a blessing that God is giving her, because there is so much more for her to do.”
Steele further emphasized her love for Ponder by captioning the clip: “I love you, [Sam Ponder]’, next to a red heart emoji.
The 38-year-old Ponder was laid off earlier this week as part of a cost-cutting measure
She is being released after 2 years of her 3-year, $3 million contract, but will receive her full salary
Ponder, 38, will be released two years into her three-year, $3 million contract but will receive her full salary, DailyMail.com has learned. In addition, the timing of the decision was determined by the approaching end of the fiscal year on September 30, a source told DailyMail.com.
Ponder recently posted a comment on X about the gender controversy surrounding Khelif, a female boxer who was accused of having XY chromosomes.
“XY = male XX = female,” Ponder wrote.
Steele left the network in August 2023 after settling a lawsuit she filed, alleging she was taken off the air over her comments about the company’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
“I have decided to leave so that I can more freely exercise my First Amendment rights,” she wrote on social media after 16 years with the company.