ESPN fires Robert Griffin III, Sam Ponder in cost-cutting strikes: Sources

ESPN has fired “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III, sources briefed on the strikes informed The Athletic on Thursday.

The selections have been made for monetary causes as ESPN nears the conclusion of its fiscal yr on the finish of September, per a supply briefed on the matter. Each Ponder and Griffin made greater than seven figures. Every was knowledgeable of ESPN’s choice Thursday morning, a supply briefed on the choice stated. Neither Griffin nor Ponder responded to The Athletic’s requests for remark, however Griffin referenced the transfer in posts on X.

“Thankful for so many people in my time at ESPN that helped me grow because they are some of the best in the business. … THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my family through my playing days and broadcast career so far,” he wrote.

Ponder was getting into the ultimate season of a three-year deal value greater than $3 million, sources briefed on her contract stated. She solely labored within the prestigious position of “Sunday NFL Countdown” host and was principally off for the remainder of the yr. ESPN typically reserves most of these schedules for the Joe Bucks, Troy Aikmans and Peyton Mannings of its world.

“NFL Live” host Laura Rutledge and “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg are potential replacements for Ponder. Greenberg is taken into account the favourite, based on sources briefed on the community’s inner talks.

The buyouts of Ponder and Griffin are the one strikes ESPN is making in the meanwhile, nevertheless it may select to shed extra wage by the top of September. Nonetheless, the cuts usually are not anticipated to be wherever close to the bloodletting through which round 20 massive names have been let go final June, together with stalwarts like Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber and Jalen Rose.

Griffin, who as just lately as final yr had been seen as a rising star at ESPN, had two years remaining on his deal. He was employed three years in the past after gaining curiosity from Fox Sports activities and ESPN. On the time, sources at each networks raved about what they described as top-of-the-line auditions they’ve ever seen.

He was thought of strongly to be ESPN’s No. 2 school soccer recreation analyst with Sean McDonough final season, however the job went to Greg McElroy.

ESPN declined to remark.

Since Griffin’s inventory had fallen, it made him a major candidate to be let go. Whereas his seven-figure per yr wage will likely be honored, his position had diminished to some extent the place ESPN determined to not preserve him on.

The primary actual signal Griffin was being dropped within the order was when he was faraway from “Monday Night Countdown,” the place he had been on the prime pregame present for 2 years. ESPN employed Jason Kelce this offseason to exchange Griffin.

Final season, Griffin additionally served on certainly one of ESPN’s high school recreation broadcast groups, working with play-by-player Bob Wischusen.

Over time, Fox Sports activities has proven curiosity in Griffin. When it sought to discover a successor to Reggie Bush on its “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame present, Griffin was excessive on its record, nevertheless it went with one other former Heisman winner, Mark Ingram II.

Griffin is energetic on social media, chiming in on an array of points, together with when ESPN has had controversies. Ponder doesn’t have the flurry of social media posts like Griffin, however has chimed in at instances about transgender athletes and different politically charged points.

In 2017, Ponder was given the dignity of changing the legendary Chris Berman on “Countdown.”

Berman, maybe essentially the most distinguished on-air particular person within the community’s historical past, stepped apart, making manner for Ponder. She didn’t have a lot NFL expertise, having labored her manner up the ESPN ranks by being a mainstay on its iconic pregame present, “College GameDay.”

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