Sam Ponder has broken her silence months after being let go by ESPN, saying her outspoken support for women’s sports and comments on transgender inclusion likely played a role in her dismissal.
In a conversation with former colleague Sage Steele on her podcast, Ponder revealed that her decision to share swimmer Paula Scanlan’s experience competing against Lia Thomas drew immediate attention from ESPN executives. She said one of the network’s top bosses contacted her directly, making it clear that the company didn’t want her to misgender individuals or speak publicly about transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Ponder described receiving a detailed email from ESPN that outlined past tweets and liked posts the company found inappropriate. According to her, this message served as a warning that her job might be at risk. From that moment, she believed her days at the network were numbered.
Though she initially kept quiet, Ponder’s frustration grew when asked to record a video celebrating an inspiring woman for an ESPN initiative, but chose not to participate. Her turning point came after boxer Imane Khelif’s gender eligibility controversy at the Olympics. Ponder supported Khelif’s opponent, Angela Carini, who voiced concerns, saying she’d had enough. Ponder shared the quote, adding, “ENOUGH is what all of us should be saying,” and was soon invited to an unexpected call with high-level executives.
She suspects other factors also contributed to her exit—like the company seeking cheaper talent and her desire for more family time—but said the timing made the reason clear. Despite her departure, Ponder called it “one of the best things” that ever happened to her. She admitted she had been on a professional “hamster wheel” and needed the push to step off.
Although she said some ESPN leaders privately agreed with her, Ponder questioned why she wasn’t allowed to speak publicly on the topic. “I thought this was sports,” she said. “These are female collegiate and Olympic athletes. Their voices deserve a platform too.”
Ponder said she wasn’t trying to be controversial but wanted to amplify the concerns of athletes directly affected by the issue. She challenged the network’s stance of limiting commentary, especially during events like Women’s History Month, when awards were given to individuals born male.
ESPN declined to comment on the matter.
Ponder is married to former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder and spent nearly two decades at ESPN.
