Sage Steele claims Doc Rivers sent critical DMs over Trump support

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has alleged that her professional and personal relationships within the NBA have been strained by political disagreements. During an appearance on ‘The Rubin Report’, Steele claimed that NBA head coach Doc Rivers sent her extensive private messages criticizing her support for Donald Trump and her conservative political views.

Steele stated that Rivers, whom she previously considered a friend, sent “pages and pages” of messages calling her an “idiot” for her political affiliations. She noted that these unsolicited communications often occurred when she attempted to discuss basketball or family matters. Steele also cited Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr as an example of the “passive aggressiveness” she has experienced from prominent coaches.

Steele, who left ESPN in 2023 following a legal settlement regarding her suspension over comments about COVID-19 vaccine mandates, expressed concern that political polarization in the league might discourage others from expressing their views. She indicated that Rivers has since unfollowed and blocked her on social media.