Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has confirmed that he is dating ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele.

“There’s been a thousand articles today about it,” Ponder said on Friday. “You can’t really worry about it. You’ve got to try to keep it private, but that’s just part of the industry, part of the job. I don’t know. Comes with the territory.”

Steele is the blond bombshell that ESPN has hoisted to replace the ever-popular Erin Andrews who left the mothership earlier this year for Fox.

Once upon a time it was taboo for reporters (sideline or booth) or cheerleaders to date the players. ESPN has yet to respond to the news of the relationship.

Samantha Steele on Twitter @Samantha_Steele

[image: Twitter]