Unraveling Controversy: Sage Steele, Jay Cutler, and the Candace Owens Comparison

In a recent interview that stirred controversy, Sage Steele engaged in a discussion with Jay Cutler and received unexpected praise from him, alongside comparisons to Candace Owens.

During an episode of Cutler’s podcast, Uncut, the former NFL quarterback drew parallels between Steele and the divisive political figure, Candace Owens. The conversation veered into contentious territory as they delved into Steele’s stance against vaccines, which has drawn criticism.

Steele, a longstanding ESPN anchor, stirred the pot further this week by publicly expressing skepticism about the network’s vaccine mandate, labeling it as “disturbing” and “ominous.” Despite her reservations, she disclosed that she ultimately complied with the mandate to safeguard her employment, underscoring her tenure with the company since 2007.

Cutler’s comparison elicited an incredulous response from Steele, who inquired about its origin. Cutler, however, couldn’t provide a definitive source for the comparison.

Expressing her admiration for Candace Owens, Steele navigated a complex terrain, highlighting Owens’ controversial viewpoints on issues such as police violence against Black individuals.

Amidst the backdrop of a $71 billion sports industry grappling with COVID-19 concerns and vaccine hesitancy, various leagues have adopted differing approaches. While some, like the NBA, have encouraged vaccination, others, like the NFL, have implemented stricter protocols for unvaccinated players, including potential salary repercussions for missed games.

Steele and Cutler’s conversation extended beyond the realm of sports, delving into matters of race and identity, with Steele offering provocative commentary on former President Barack Obama’s racial identity and her own experiences with racism, which have stirred previous controversies.