• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot
Law

Could Sage Steele’s Lawsuit Spare Anchor From ESPN Cutbacks?

  • Steele sued ESPN and Disney last year over allegations her free-speech rights were violated.
  • Including Steele in latest cuts at network could increase ESPN’s liability in case.
Sage Steele
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sage Steele is one of the highest-paid employees at ESPN, a network undergoing another round of mandated cuts to on-air talent. 

However, the “SportsCenter” anchor’s lawsuit against ESPN and Disney could put her multiyear deal off limits during the ongoing cost-saving measures. 

“There’s always the potential to add a new claim for retaliation,” employment law attorney Hillary Lynch told Front Office Sports. “It could be seen as a continuing violation of what she’s already asserted.”

Steele sued ESPN and Disney in April 2022 for allegations her free-speech rights were violated when she claimed she was suspended for two days after her comments on former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s podcast. Steele described Disney’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate as “sick and scary” in the September 2021 interview. 

ESPN denied Steele was suspended, and there’s no indication she lost any compensation over what she told Cutler. That would make a jury’s job difficult to determine monetary damages if Steele prevails in a trial scheduled for March 2024. 

But a firing would certainly up her employer’s potential liability. 

“She could make an argument of lost wages and a loss of earning capacity and earning potential,” said Lynch, senior counsel at the Dallas-based firm Platt Cheema Richmond. 

ESPN denied Steele was suspended, and there are no indications that she lost any salary. Steele makes $3 million per year under her current contract that runs for about another year, sources told FOS. 

ESPN offered Steele $501,000 to cover “reasonable” attorney fees to settle the case last week. Her attorney, Bryan Freedman, rejected that offer on Steele’s behalf. 

“Disney cannot purchase their employee’s constitutional rights no matter how powerful they think they are,” Freedman said. 

As an employee of a non-government organization, Steele has no standing to prevail purely on First Amendment grounds. But a Connecticut statute protects all employees from being disciplined for “rights guaranteed by the First Amendment” as long as “such activity does not substantially” impact an employee’s job performance. 

And if Steele is fired after the lawsuit is disposed of, her attorney promised a new lawsuit for retaliation if Steele was forced out of The Worldwide Leader. 

“We’d sue,” Freedman told FOS. “You can’t fire somebody [for filing a lawsuit]. Nobody would. Why wouldn’t they lay her off already?”

Freedman said all Steele was looking for when she filed the lawsuit was a public apology from ESPN, but — with the case now 14 months old — that aim may have changed as her legal expenses have mounted.

Senior reporter Michael McCarthy contributed to this report. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Disney Buying NFL Network, NFL Getting 10% Stake in ESPN

The deal rewrites the playbook for pro leagues and their TV partners.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump leaves the field after participating in a meet and greet with the honorary coin toss participants including family members of the victims from the terrorist attack, members of the New Orleans Police Department, and emergency personnel before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.

Why the NFL-ESPN Deal Is ‘Political Catnip’ for Trump

The president has a history of using media mergers for leverage.

ESPN’s Ryan Clark: Haters Are Viewers, Too

“Get them to hate what you say … enough that they’ll tune in.”
exclusive

MLS Commissioner On Apple TV Deal: Critics ‘Don’t Get It Yet’

“We’re just early,” Garber told FOS when pressed about the deal.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
A general view as athletes compete in the women’s 10,000m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Deanis, France, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

Trump Order Leads to Visa Ban for Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

“Men do not belong in women’s sports,” a USCIS spokesperson said.
Feb 20, 2011; Calgary, AB, Canada; Canadian hockey fans wave a flag and display a banner before the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium. The Flames beat the Canadiens 4-0
August 1, 2025

Where Does Hockey Go After the Hockey Canada Verdict?

After the sexual assault trial, hockey is split over the path forward.
Josh Donaldson
August 5, 2025

Josh Donaldson Settles With Mold Landlord for $729K

Donaldson vacated the Greenwich, Ct., mansion shortly after moving in.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Troy Taylor
July 31, 2025

Ex-Stanford Coach Troy Taylor Sues ESPN for Defamation

Taylor was fired after a pair of 3–9 seasons.
Gilbert Arenas
July 31, 2025

Gilbert Arenas Charged With Running Illegal Poker Operation With ‘Organized Crime Figure’

The former NBA player allegedly ran a poker club from his house.
Marcus Morris
July 30, 2025

Marcus Morris Denies Fraud, Blames Mixup for $260K Casino Debt Arrest

Morris made roughly $107 million across 13 NBA seasons.
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) is screened by Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
July 30, 2025

Tensions Rise After Suns Fire Ex–Security Director

Phoenix faces a slew of lawsuits from former employees.