


Sage Steele is reportedly being eyed for a potential run at a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Political news outlet Daily Ructions first reported that unnamed “Republican leaders and donors in Washington and Connecticut” are hoping that the former ESPN broadcaster will consider entering the 2024 race in Connecticut’s fifth district.
The Post has confirmed that exploratory conversations have occurred.
Steele could not immediately be reached for comment.
If she decides to run and wins the Republican party’s nomination, Steele’s opponent would be Democrat Jahana Hayes, who narrowly won her third term in Congress with an 1,800-vote margin of victory over state senator George Logan in 2022.
Last month, Steele left ESPN after 16 years at the network, which included roles as the host of “NBA Countdown” and “SportsCenter” anchor.
Steele had sued the network last year, alleging that ESPN brass violated her freedom of speech rights for sidelining her after she made a number of remarks on former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s podcast, including slamming ESPN’s parent company Disney’s policy of requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccine shots.
“I work for a company that mandates it and I had until September 30th to get it done or I’m out,” Steele said on Cutler’s podcast in 2021.
“I respect everyone’s decision, I really do, but to mandate it is sick and it’s scary to me in many ways.”
In her case, she argued that there was a double standard for ESPN’s policy of not allowing political messaging, alleging that employees were not disciplined for commentary that aligned with liberal talking points as she had been for her appearance on Cutler’s podcast.
“Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely,” Steele tweeted last month.
“I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!”