Former ESPN host Sarah Spain is speaking out about an uncomfortable experience she says she had while attending a women’s hockey game at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
During a recent episode of her podcast, Spain told listeners she felt physically unsettled after realizing she was seated just a few rows behind U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
Spain explained that she was in the stands on Feb. 6 for the U.S. women’s matchup against Czechia when she noticed Vance and his security detail positioned in front of her.
According to Spain, the moment she saw him, her reaction was immediate and intense.
“I felt ill when I saw J.D. Vance,” Spain said.
Spain describes physical reaction at U.S. vs. Czechia game
Spain told her audience that the experience triggered a wave of unease. She said the sensation was similar to encountering something extremely strange or frightening.
At one point, she compared the feeling to seeing a “demon,” though she clarified she did not mean that comparison literally.
She went on to describe physical symptoms, saying her heart began pounding and that she felt a chill run through her body.
Something felt “not right,” she said, emphasizing that the overall experience left her deeply uncomfortable.
Beyond the emotional reaction, Spain also expressed frustration with the vice president’s security presence.
She said members of Vance’s security team obstructed part of her view of the game, which upset her as she was there to watch the athletes compete.
Online reaction grows as comments spread
Spain’s remarks quickly circulated online after clips from her podcast were shared across multiple platforms. The segment gained traction on various websites, drawing widespread discussion and coverage from numerous news outlets.
Meanwhile, Vance has been in Italy for several days as he leads the U.S. delegation at the Winter Olympics. In a separate statement, he said the Olympics can bring Americans together. During his time at the Games, Vance has visited athletes and attended several events.
Winter Olympic Curling hit with controversy
In other Winter Olympic news, World Curling will implement a major protocol change after cheating allegations involving Canadian third Marc Kennedy.
The controversy began when Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Kennedy of double touching a stone during Canada’s 8-6 win. Sweden claimed Kennedy tapped the stone again after release to alter its path, an accusation he denied, sparking a heated exchange.
TV footage appeared to show contact, prompting World Curling to deploy extra officials for the remainder of the Games, a significant shift for the traditionally self-governed sport.
The issue resurfaced during Canada’s 9-5 loss to Switzerland, when Swiss lead Pablo Lachat-Couchepin said: "I saw [Kennedy do it] when the referee was next to me.
"I really believe it does nothing - it doesn't change the stone - but when you have a referee looking at it, they should see it."
Kennedy responded: "I don't like being accused of cheating after 25 years on tour and four Olympic Games So I told him [Eriksson] where to stick it. He might have been upset that he was losing..."