Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder Reportedly Fired by ESPN Amid Budget Changes

NFL analyst Robert Griffin III and “NFL Countdown” host Sam Ponder have been fired by ESPN, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.

Marchand said the moves are tied to the network’s budget, as it nears the end of its fiscal year. These appear to be the only ESPN talent being released at this point, but more decisions could be made before the end of the month.

Griffin, who had two years left on his contract, joined ESPN in 2021 to work on college football and NFL coverage. He had recently been replaced on “Monday Night Countdown” after the network hired the recently retired Jason Kelce.

According to Marchand, Griffin was considered a candidate to resign after his stock declined at ESPN. The network will pay the remainder of his salary.

Ponder was hired by ESPN in 2011, working as a reporter for college football and basketball broadcasts, as well as the Longhorn Network. She took over as host of “NFL Countdown” in 2017.