Sportscaster Sage Steele has left ESPN after settling a lawsuit so she can exercise her “first amendment rights more freely,” she says.

The veteran sportscaster said on social media she had settled a lawsuit after she was suspended in 2021 for comments she made on a podcast about getting vaccinated, how women dress and former President Barack Obama’s lineage.

“Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely,” Steele said. “I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!”

Steele said the suspension was nothing more than a retaliation against her for the comments she made during the podcast, hosted by Jay Cutler, taking away high-profile assignments.

“ESPN and Sage Steele have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank her for her many contributions over the years,” the network said in a statement.

Since her announcement, Steele has been overwhelmed with the support she has received.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.