Sage Steele Details End of Doc Rivers Friendship Over Political Messages

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has publicly detailed the end of her friendship with Hall of Fame NBA coach Doc Rivers, alleging in a recent interview that he privately messaged her to criticize her political views and support for former President Donald Trump. Steele, 53, made the claims during an August 19, 2026, appearance on The Rubin Report podcast, stating that Rivers’ outreach was a key factor in her distancing herself from the NBA.

Steele, who hosted ESPN’s NBA coverage for nearly a decade, said she and Rivers, 64, were once genuine friends. However, she asserted that after she began expressing conservative views, Rivers initiated a series of unsolicited direct messages. “Pages and pages of why I’m such an idiot to be a Republican or conservative and support Donald Trump,” Steele said, claiming the messages were unexpected and not focused on basketball or personal matters. “Out of the blue, he would send me clips, and I’m like, ‘I just want to talk basketball with you’ or ‘How are your kids?’”

Steele characterized the tone of the messages as critical and accusatory, adding, “Instead, it’s, ‘I’m so disappointed in the sellout thing, with a coach!’” She contended that such...