ESPN Fires Robert Griffin III, Samantha Ponder In Money Saving Move

BRISTOL, CT — Two high-profile on-air ESPN talents have been fired from their jobs, according to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand.

'Sunday NFL Countdown' host Samantha Ponder and on-air analyst Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, were fired on Thursday, Marchand first reported.

Marchand cites "financial reasons" behind the terminations, as both earned in excess of $1 million. Ponder earned $3 million annually. ESPN's fiscal year ends in September, and Marchand said some more layoffs are possible. No one else was let go on Thursday.

Griffin's past role on "Monday Night Countdown" went to recently retired Philadelphia Eagle star Jason Kelce. Griffin still had two years left on his contract, the New York Post reported.

On X, Griffin shared the "How you gonna get fired on your day off" clip from the 1995 movie "Friday."

The New York Post said while Ponder and Griffin will receive the money owed to them, ESPN likely acted now so it could write off the remainder of the money this fiscal year. The New York Post also noted that Ponder had been outspoken on transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

In a May 2023 article, Sports Illustrated reported that Ponder faced criticism for calling for "fairness" in sports concerning transgender athletes competing at the high school level.

Ponder, who responded to a tweet from Riley Gaines, a swimmer, wrote: "I barely said anything publicly abt this issue & I’ve had so many ppl msg me, stop me in the street to say thank you+ tell me stories abt girls who are afraid to speak up for fear of lost employment/being called hateful. It is not hateful to demand fairness in sports for girls."

Ponder did not address the termination on X.

Griffin posted the following statement on X on Thursday night:

"Thankful for so many people in my time at ESPN that helped me grow because they are some of the best in the business.

"From the broadcast booth to the studio and ESPECIALLY the people many of you never see behind the camera.

"They are the REAL MVPs and sacrifice so much time with their families just to ensure people like myself in front of the camera even have the opportunity to shine.

"There were so many awesome experiences and moments that my family and I will never forget from the last 3 years.

"What people sometimes fail to realize is none of this is possible without you guys, the FANS. So THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my family through my playing days and broadcast career so far.

"We love you guys and will continue to seek and defend the truth while telling athletes’ stories the right way."

Read more at The Athletic.

Read more at the New York Post.

Read more at SI.