ESPN has fired Robert Griffin III and Samantha Ponder

ESPN, the world’s biggest sports network, has been seen to have made large-scale revisions in its on-air lineup, vaulting “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III. These high-profile departures, based on monetary considerations as ESPN approaches the fiscal year end, had been a 180-degree turn of the network’s direction. Both Ponder and Griffin have been two important personalities that ESPN has banked on for their NFL coverage, and apparently, their services will no longer be required as the network continues to find its feet in the challenging sports broadcasting world.

ESPN Parts Ways with Samantha Ponder and Robert Griffin III in Major Financial Move

Sources told The Athletic that ESPN has decided not to renew the deals of “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III. With ESPN closing in on the end of its fiscal year in September, the move is mostly financial. Both Ponder and Griffin were among the highest-paid at ESPN, with each earning a seven-figure annual salary.

The Shock Announcement and Reactions

Most were surprised by the news, as Ponder and Griffin were alerted to the ESPN decision Thursday morning. Neither responded to a request for a direct comment, though Griffin posted a reflection of his time at ESPN on the social media platform X on Thursday. “Grateful for so many people in my time at ESPN who helped me develop because they are simply the best in the business. .. THANK YOU to my supportive wife, family, friends, and players that I coached,” Griffin wrote, thus announcing his departure from the network.

Samantha Ponder’s Role and Potential Replacements

Ponder had been scheduled to enter the last season of a lucrative three-year contract worth well over $3 million. Primarily recognized as the host of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” the high-profile role allowed her to work only periodically throughout the year, an advantage normally reserved for people such as Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Peyton Manning—all staples of the ESPN empire. According to sources, internally, the network is eyeing possible replacements with Ponder’s exit, and sources close to ESPN say “NFL Live” host Laura Rutledge and “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg have become the leading candidates to replace her. Of the two, Greenberg is considered the front-runner, sources say.

ESPN’s Cost-Cutting Measures and Future Moves

The Ponder and Griffin buyouts are only two of the cost-cutting moves for ESPN thus far, though there is conjecture that more may happen before the end of September. At any rate, the moves recently made by the network are not expected to be as widespread as last June’s layoffs, where some 20 well-known faces, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, and Jalen Rose, parted ways with the network.

Robert Griffin III’s Diminished Role and Departure

Griffin, who was considered a young star on the rise at ESPN, had two years remaining on his contract. He joined the network three years ago after an explosive audition that had ESPN and Fox Sports both bidding for his services. First viewed by many as the heir apparent to Reggie Bush on Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show, Griffin eventually signed with ESPN, where he quickly became the staple of some of their premier college football broadcasts. All that early promise would slowly and steadily lessen his role at ESPN, however. He had last season been in consideration for the role of the No. 2 college football game analyst with Sean McDonough, but that job went to Greg McElroy.

Samantha Ponder’s Legacy and ESPN’s Shifting Landscape

The career path of Ponder with ESPN has been one of its kind. She became one of the network’s steady contributors, making a name for herself as part of the network’s signature college football pregame show, “College GameDay.” In 2017, she took over what might be considered the most prestigious assignment as host for “Sunday NFL Countdown,” following Chris Berman. Certainly one of the highest on-air personnel in ESPN history, Berman stepped aside and allowed Ponder to take over. That made her one of the most visible ESPN figures during her time and turned her into a target for controversy connected with expressed opinions, including even such contentious topics as transgender athletes.

On the heels of the reporting that Ponder is leaving ESPN, sources told Sporting News that Griffin will do the same. With ESPN continuing its trudge through financial turbulence, both departures point to a greater shift within the network. Although the end brings an era, the shifting sports broadcasting landscape casts these exits in a shadow, where even more-recognized voices cannot be immune to financial pressures and changing priorities.

Conclusion

The departures of Samantha Ponder and Robert Griffin III from ESPN are examples of the financial pressures but also shifting priorities within the network. As ESPN meets the evolving demands of the industry, it is clear with these moves that some very difficult decisions have to be made in order to keep star talent but not go over budget. While Ponder and Griffin have left their mark in terms of the lasting influence they had on sports media, it does bring in a new chapter for the network and its viewers in equal terms.

JACK RUSSELL: SONG

READ ALSO: BEATKING PASSED AWAY