Sage Steele accused in a lawsuit against her former employer, ESPN, analyst Ryan Clark of refusing to work with her because of opposite political views.
Clark recently admitted to the “The Michele Tafoya Show” that part of the accusation was not false, but he felt the need to clear the air.
Tafoya asked Clark about the trial, which alleged Clark refused to work with Steele after she made controversial comments on former NFL -Quarterback Jay Cutlers Podcast in 2021.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark releases from the field before a game between San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets at Levis Stadium September 9, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
On the podcast, Steele reflected over a performance on “The View” where she said that Barbara Walter’s “tore me” for saying it was “important” to feel herself as Biracial.
Steele said Walters then brought up former President Barack Obama, who is Biracial, chose “Black” when he filled in paperwork for a census.
“I’m like, congratulations to the president. That’s his thing. I think it’s fascinating considering his black father wasn’t anywhere to find but his white mother and grandmother raised him. But hey, you do you .
Clark said he disagreed with Steele on many political issues, including her vaccination position and Colin Kaepernick’s protests, but he had “no problem” with her being a conservative.
“Sage Steele, a conservative, was like the worst preserved secret of ESPN,” the former Pittsburgh Steeler’s defensive back asked.
However, her comments on Obama were the “only” thing that “offended” him and made him talk to a producer at ESPN about hosting a segment together.
Sage Steele occupies the scene during a Donald Trump campaign -Rally at Lancaster Airport November 3, 2024, in Lititz, Pa. (Getty Images)
3 people who are charged with selling counterfeit Jason Kelce -Morabilia
“As a black man who understands that no matter what President Obama decides to check out as his race, he will be considered a whole country as a black man. He will be considered if policemen say, ‘The suspect is a black , high, slim, light -skinned man, ‘President Obama would fit that description, “Clark said.
“He is also a man who was married to a black woman. He was also a man who raised two young black daughters. And I felt it was disrespectful to say, ‘why would someone with the blood ran through their veins, to represent that culture? ‘”
Clark admitted he told a producer he would have another host, Matt Barrie, to “lead my segment.”
“Because what I know is this … Chemistry is a big part of TV. That’s a big part of our ability to be able to entertain. And I wouldn’t have my discomfort with what she said View on screen, “Clark said.
Clark said it was a one -off thing with Steele and they were able to “work … in a very heartfelt way” until she left ESPN. He added that they no longer speak, “but I obviously wish her all the best in all her efforts.”
Espns Ryan Clark Chats with colleagues in the air before a game between Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars December 4, 2023 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FLA. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“She has now found a place where she, she has what she fits, feels that she has a voice and she has a passion. And I feel we should all be entitled to it, whether you are Agree or disagree.
