Podcast rant create outrage.
Fans are asking for action after sports reporter Sarah Spain criticized Vice President JD Vance during coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Spain made the comments on her podcast, Good Game with Sarah Spain. She said she felt “ill” while sitting near Vance at a women’s hockey game between the United States and Czechia.
Spain described seeing heavy security arrive during the first period. She said, “Twelve minutes into the first period, that area suddenly is awash with large men in suits with earpieces. And here comes JD Vance carrying a child and a bunch of security, and eventually Marco Rubio.” Spain also added, “When I see JD Vance’s eyeliner face, I literally feel ill. I feel like I just looked at a demon, like the Devil.”
Her comments quickly spread on social media. Some critics said she went too far and called for ESPN to fire her. Others accused her of bringing politics into sports coverage. Spain has worked for ESPN since 2010 and appears on several of the network’s shows and platforms.
Backlash Grows As Political Tensions Spill Into Sports Coverage
Online critics reacted strongly.
One person said, “Sarah Spain, and her ilk, are a huge reason why ESPN has tanked”
Another blamed, “The fact that this wannabe tough chick @SarahSpain has a gig anywhere on @espn is symbolic of how far that network has fallen. She’s a bonafide.”
Spain also spoke out about Vance’s public comments on a fatal Border Patrol shooting case. She mentioned a social media post he reshared from White House official Stephen Miller, who had called the victim an “assassin.” Spain argued that Vance unfairly attacked a man who had died.
At another game, Spain said she saw Vance sitting with influencer and boxer Jake Paul. On her podcast, she criticized them again and mocked their appearance together.
Vance later spoke to the Daily Mail and said he would not apologize for resharing Miller’s post. He added that investigators should complete their work before people make judgments.
Spain is a well-known figure in sports media. She has won Emmy and Peabody awards and has appeared on shows like Around the Horn. Her podcast was also nominated at the 2025 Ambies Awards.
So far, neither Spain nor ESPN has announced any disciplinary action.
