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New York Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Sam Ponder breaks silence on ‘legit crazy' reasons for ESPN firing one year after shocking exit
Sam Ponder ties her shocking ESPN exit last year to her views on transgender athletes and an infrequent work schedule, and believes some of the reasoning for it is 'legit crazy.' Ponder, who spent 14 years with the Worldwide Leader before being let go last August, provided her first deep dive on her dismissal on Wednesday's episode of 'The Sage Steele Show' and primarily linked it to a chain of events coinciding with a July 2023 retweet about transgender athletes. 'I don't really think me losing my job was solely because of that, but the timing of it almost certainly was,' Ponder said while opening up on her exit. 'I was told after the fact privately that most people at the top of the company did agree with me on the issue but there is a loud activist group at Disney and they were not happy with me. I can say all that and tell this part of the story and still tell you, Sage, it's one of the best things that ever happened to me. Advertisement 6 Ponder opened up on her ESPN exit. @TheSageSteeleShow/YouTube 'I was on that hamster wheel and I was not going to jump off on my own. I needed to get kicked off. As much as the part of the reasoning behind it is legit crazy, I feel no bitterness or even frankly sadness. I had a great career, I was 20 years in the business. I met some awesome people and there are still some really great people there. Never thought this would kind of be the way out but should have spoken up a long time before, I should have been a lot more courageous when I knew what was right.' The former 'Sunday NFL Countdown' host revealed she knew her time could be coming to an end after the chain of events started two years ago with her retweeting a video post of former Penn swimmer Paula Scanlan detailing her time as a teammate of transgender athlete Lia Thomas. Advertisement Ponder wrote in a quote tweet of an Independent Women's Forum post: 'No matter where you stand on this issue, it is well worth your time to listen to @PaulaYScanlan share her own story as someone who actually lived this while a female athlete at UPenn.' 'I didn't think that was going to get that much of a response, but it did,' Ponder said. Ponder said she had one or two other replies to individuals that she called 'fairly innocuous,' although she already had come under fire for supporting controversial former swimmer Riley Gaines, who is one of the leading voices in attempting to keep transgender athletes separate from women's athletics. An ESPN higher-up allegedly then emailed Ponder claiming the company was 'uncomfortable' with her discussing transgender women in women's sports and 'they weren't going to allow me to misgender people.' She followed up asking for specifics, to which the individual could not immediately provide. Advertisement 'Because I still didn't think, and I didn't say anything mean-spirited, I was basically trying to give more spotlight, whatever limited spotlight I had, to these girls' stories, whether it was Riley Gaines or Paula, cause I just felt like I wasn't seeing it on 'SportsCenter,'' Ponder said. 'I honestly didn't think it was that big of a deal, but when I got the email I knew it was.' Ponder, 39, said she received a detailed email the following week that noted how she favorited a tweet from conservative voice Megyn Kelly that said men don't need gynecologists. Ponder said she didn't view that as a big deal, having just favorited it, and added that 'we've all agreed' with that viewpoint. 'In some ways, I thought it was funny how ridiculous it is,' Ponder said. 'Any woman who's been to the gynecologist can understand that, I think.' Advertisement The email also contained further specific examples of anything the company allegedly deemed 'offensive' and she claimed they basically warned her, 'We're not doing this.' 6 Sam Ponder during a 'Sunday NFL Countdown' panel in 2017 Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP And that's when Ponder made a startling realization. 'I knew then that I was on the clock if you will,' Ponder said. The discussion surrounding transgender athletes had already been a hot topic for Ponder, who recalled a series of events surrounding Women's History Month that bothered her. 6 Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022. USA TODAY Sports ESPN asked her in 2023 to a profile of a woman who was the 'most inspirational' for Women's History Month and while she wanted to choose Gaines, she opted for her mother. 'I knew deep down in that moment I was supposed to talk about Riley,' Ponder said. 'So, I did a little self-censorship there.' Advertisement When ESPN aired a piece recognizing Thomas in 2023, it didn't sit well with Ponder. 6 Ponder discussing a Vikings-Packers game in 2021 in a clip she posted to Instagra. @samanthaponder/Instagram 'That just did something to me,' Ponder said. 'I don't know why, but it's kind of emotional to me. Man, there's so many incredible women that have dealt with all the struggles that are unique to womanhood. 'And for the company to basically say, we're going to take that spot and we're going to give it to someone who by their own admission, has only quote-unquote become a woman within the last year, was Will Thomas on the team the year before, and I'm hearing stories about these girls who were in the locker room saying, 'I had to get undressed in front of a fully intact male 18 times a week.' And we're a company that — I thought — feminists and girl power and we've got all these women in position of power, we're not going to listen to that voice, we're not going to platform that voice to say, 'Hey man, 'I'm uncomfortable with this. We're going to silence these people?' Advertisement Fast forward to last summer and the discussion of gold-medal winning boxer Imane Khelif, whose eligibility became an international storyline. 6 Ponder (r) and Steele (l) during a recent podcast. @TheSageSteeleShow/YouTube Some questioned her sex during her run to Olympic fame after allegedly previously failing a gender test, and an Italian boxer ended a fight early against her since it was 'unjust.' Ponder quote-tweeted an Aug. 1 a post featuring comments from said boxer, Angela Carini, with the caption: 'ENOUGH is what all of us should be saying!! Proud of this woman 👏🏼💪🏼.' Advertisement 'I knew when I sent that, like, this isn't going to go over well,' Ponder said. 'But to me, that's abuse. You have a male in a boxing ring with a female literally beating her and we're just supposed to like, 'Yay,' in the name of inclusion. No, like, what about her?' Ponder said the next week, while she was at a store down the road from the house shared by her and former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, she received a text asking her to hop on a call in an hour with several folks, including one she never deals with. Advertisement 'I was like, this is it,' Ponder said. ESPN characterized Ponder's exit — along with Robert Griffin III — as financial decisions, The Post previously reported, and the pair still had time left on their deals. Ponder noted that she believes her infrequent appearances on ESPN programming factored into the company moving on. 6 Imane Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini during last year's Olympics. AP 'I never believe I was solely fired for this,' Ponder said of her views on transgender athletes. 'I think the model of my career at that point, only working Sundays in the fall on 'Countdown' was not what they wanted and they felt like they were paying me too much money to do just one thing. I had turned down opportunities in the past to work more and do more because of the season of life I'm in, I got three little kids. I'm not giving up that time with them for any opportunity.' Ponder also added that she believes that in commenting on transgender athletes and the fierce discussion surrounding the topic, she had been sticking to sports. 'I thought this was sports. We're talking about female collegiate athletes, Olympic athletes, and it's wrong to shine a voice on that and give another voice, another opinion?' Ponder said. 'I wasn't against debate or healthy discussion. I just didn't want anyone telling me, 'No, no, no, you can't talk about that. I wasn't really giving my own opinions on it, as much as I was saying, 'Listen to these girls, they're in the locker rooms. Why do their opinions not deserve a platform when we're giving awards for Women's History Month to someone born male? I couldn't understand it, I still don't understand it.'
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patriots Icon Randy Moss Returns to ESPN After Beating Cancer
Patriots Icon Randy Moss Returns to ESPN After Beating Cancer originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Randy Moss, NFL and New England Patriots legend, battled bile duct cancer and won. The Hall of Famer is poised to reclaim his spot on ESPN's 'Sunday NFL Countdown' for the 2025 season. His emotional journey, marked by resilience, promises a triumphant return. And all he wants? For Rex Ryan to move along. Advertisement Moss stepped away from ESPN in December 2024 after doctors discovered cancer in his bile duct, between his pancreas and liver. He underwent a six-hour Whipple procedure and faced chemotherapy and radiation. A stent was placed in his liver to address complications, showcasing his fight. In a heartfelt TMZ Sports interview, Moss shared his excitement. 'Man, I just can't wait for Week 1 to get back with the crew and talk football!' he told Michael Babcock, reflecting on his 'emotional roller coaster.' His return is a beacon of hope. ESPN personality Randy Moss looks on prior to the game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Moss playfully jabbed co-host Rex Ryan, saying, 'I really didn't miss Rex much because he got on my nerves. So, Rex, scoot over!' His bond with colleagues like Mike Greenberg and Tedy Bruschi shines through. His ESPN co-hosts are expected to welcome him back warmly. Advertisement His Super Bowl LIX appearance in February 2025 moved fans, with video tributes from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and more. Moss, a cancer survivor, felt the love from the football community. 'I thank everybody for their prayers,' he said. During his 2007-2010 stint with the New England Patriots, Moss set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in 2007. He amassed 3,904 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns, cementing his legacy. His return to ESPN promises more unforgettable moments. Moss's journey from the gridiron to the studio is inspiring. Fans eagerly await his Week 1 comeback, ready to see the legend shine again. Can he bring the same fire and fun to the desk as he did to the field? Advertisement Related: More from Patriot Country: This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I just can't wait for Week 1': NFL Analyst Randy Moss is cancer-free and ready to talk football with his crew
(Image via Getty Images: Randy Moss) Randy Moss, a former Tennessee Titans wide receiver and current NFL Analyst for ESPN, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. It was located between his pancreas and liver. He experienced symptoms such as discolored urine, which led to the discovery of the cancer. A six-hour surgery was performed in December 2024. He also underwent additional treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Recently, Randy Moss spoke to Michael Babcock of TMZ Sports about his cancer journey and expressed utmost gratitude towards his family, doctors, and ESPN crew. Moss also talked about his full-time return to ESPN's NFL TV coverage. — nflrums (@nflrums) 'It was an emotional roller coaster ,' Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss said about his cancer recovery journey Randy Moss, a 48-year-old cancer survivor, does not wish his experience on anyone. 'Just being able to experience that was nothing I wish on any man or any human being, but for the fact that God took me through it and brought me out of it back healthy, being able to be back with my family, great support system, and some great doctors around me. It was an emotional roller coaster, but the people I met along the way, I'm a blessed man, I'll leave it at that. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vuela a Madrid y Tenerife. Plus Ultra Compra ahora Undo ' Randy Moss, Analyst for Sunday NFL Countdown , did not miss Rex Ryan, his desk-mate and ex-HC for the New York Jets Randy Moss and Rex Ryan have been co-hosting Sunday NFL Countdown since 2016. This year would mark their ninth year together. Playfully taking a dig at his co-host, Moss shared with Babcock, 'I really didn't miss Rex Ryan much because he got on my nerves. So, Rex, if you're hearing this, I am coming back, so scoot over. But really, Michael, in all honesty, we have a great group of guys that I work with that I tremendously missed for two months, and ESPN accepted me back with open arms. Man, I look forward to it. I missed my crew. Greenie(Mike Greenberg), Alex(Smith), Tedy(Bruschi).' 'I thank everybody for their love and their prayers,' Randy Moss expressed gratitude to everyone As a parting note in his conversation with TMZ Sports' Michael Babcock, Moss thanked everyone from his ESPN family to the family outside of his home, the fans. 'Man, I just can't wait for Week 1 to get back with the crew and talk football! It was an emotional roller coaster, but being able to see the support from the ESPN Sunday Countdown crew, the football fans, and just people in general, man, just showing their love and respect. I thank everybody for their love and their prayers. I really felt everything. I felt all of it.' Also Read: 'Have more bye weeks,' Patrick Mahomes sounds just like 49ers TE George Kittle and Bengals QB Joe Burrow | NFL News - Times of India For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Randy Moss opens up on 'emotional roller coaster' while battling cancer as he prepares for shock TV return
One of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL opened up about his return to his television gig after a battle against a very rare form of cancer. Randy Moss, the former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots star, is set to come back to ESPN after taking a leave of absence from the network as he dealt with cholangiocarcinoma - a form of bile duct cancer. After undergoing various surgeries and treatments, Moss is set to return to the network's show 'Sunday NFL Countdown' and is eagerly anticipating seeing his co-workers again. 'Man, I look forward to it. I missed my crew. Greenie [Mike Greenberg], Alex [Smith], Teddy [Bruschi],' Moss told Michael Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show. But Moss kept things joking and playful when addressing his other desk-mate: 'I really didn't miss Rex Ryan much because he got on my nerves. 'So, Rex, if you're hearing this, I am coming back, so scoot over,' the Hall of Famer joked. Moss added, 'we have a great group of guys that I work with that I tremendously missed for two months and ESPN accepted me back with open arms.' 'Man, I just can't wait for week one to get back with the crew and talk football!' Moss' absence as he fought cancer was a trying experience for him - even as he received an outpouring support from his co-workers and the NFL community at large. 'It was an emotional roller coaster, but being able to see the support from the ESPN Sunday Countdown crew, the football fans, and just people in general, man, just showing their love and respect,' Moss told us. 'I thank everybody for their love and their prayers. I really felt everything. I felt all of it.' Moss added that he even hear from celebrities - like 90s music icon Montell Jordan. Reflecting on his ordeal as a whole, Moss said, 'Just being able to experience that was nothing I wish on any man or any human being, but for the fact that God took me through it and brought me out of it back healthy, being able to be back with my family, great support system and some great doctors around me, it was an emotional roller coaster, but the people I met along the way, I'm a blessed man, I'll leave it at that.' His forthcoming return to the airwaves will be the first time he's back full-time at the network since last fall, and the first time he'll be on-air since Super Bowl LIX. Back in November, a number of fans had grown concerned about Moss' health when his eyes appeared yellow on ESPN. That led to Moss making the shock announcement about his health a month ago, appearing on an Instagram Live video alongside his sons to tell fans he had undergone a six-hour surgery and could not walk without a cane. Speaking about his cancer battle in December, Moss said: 'I've told y'all over the last couple of weeks about me battling something internally, and ya boy is a cancer survivor.' He then revealed: 'I did have cancer, they found it in the bile duct, right between the pancreas and the liver, and the cancer was sitting right outside the bile duct.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Rex Ryan parties with ex-ESPNers Sage Steele, Sam Ponder in ‘Here to Bang' T-shirt
He certainly is a firecracker. Rex Ryan's Fourth of July festivities served as an ESPN reunion with former colleagues Sam Ponder and Sage Steele, the latter of whom documented the celebrations on social media and called out the ex-Jets coach's cheeky attire. 'Only Rex Ryan can pull off a shirt like that!!' Steele exclaimed Monday of Ryan's 'Just here to bang' T-shirt that featured a sparkler animation. 6 Sage Steele posted snapshots from Rex Ryan's Fourth of July celebrations with Sam Ponder. Instagram 6 The 'Sunday NFL Countdown' star wore a T-shirt that read, 'Just here to bang.' Instagram 'What an awesome reunion weekend full of reminiscing with some of the most wonderful humans I know!!' Steele, who departed ESPN in 2023 after 16 years, opened up about her two decades-plus friendship with Ryan, who joined the Worldwide Leader in 2017 after head-coaching stints with the Bills and Jets. '25 years of friendship with Rex (dating back to our @ravens days!) and almost 15 years of friendship with the beautiful @samanthaponder,' Steele said of the duo. 6 Rex Ryan worked with Sam Ponder on 'Sunday NFL Countdown' before she was let go in 2024. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP 'Thank you to Rex and Michelle [Ryan's wife] for including us and inviting us to your home away from home!!' Ryan, 62, frequently contributes to ESPN's 'Get Up' and serves as an analyst on 'Sunday NFL Countdown,' which Ponder, 39, had hosted since 2017 until her shocking firing in August 2024. Mike Greenberg took over hosting duties last year. 6 Sam Ponder originally joined ESPN in 2011. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP 6 Sage Steele left ESPN in 2023 after 16 years. Instagram/Sage Steele Ponder, the wife of former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, recently shared she's still close with her former 'College GameDay' colleagues Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and David Pollack. 'David Pollack is stuck with me as the big brother I never (jk) wanted, and I was texting with Kirk Herbstreit the day before I got fired,' Ponder said in an Instagram Q&A last month. 'Rece Davis is my forever favorite. I'll never forget how all 3 of them loved Jesus and treated people. I will be a 'college gameday' fan as long as they continue to make it about the people. It's such a special show.' 6 Sage Steele spoke about her friendship with Rex Ryan in her Instagram post from July 2025. Instagram Ponder had originally joined ESPN in 2011. She remains close with Steele, who is two years removed from her ESPN departure. 'Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely,' she posted on X in August 2023. 'I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!' Steele sued ESPN and its parent company Disney in April 2022 over circumstances that led to her being sidelined in 2021. The lawsuit alleged Steele was retaliated against over comments made about the company's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and how it violated her right to free speech.
