ESPN recently fired Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III in a move
They have sparked significant attention and controversy. Sam Ponder, who has been the host of ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” since 2017, was let go amid ongoing layoffs at the network. Her dismissal came after she publicly voiced her concerns about trans women competing in women’s sports, an issue that has been highly divisive. Ponder had been one of the few women at ESPN willing to speak out on this matter, which led to backlash and accusations of bigotry from some quarters. Despite the controversy, her stance resonated with a significant portion of the public, and her firing has been seen by some as a result of her outspoken views.
Robert Griffin III, who had been a commentator for ESPN’s college football coverage and “Monday Night Countdown,” was also let go, although his departure seemed more related to performance issues and recent demotions than to any specific controversy. Griffin had already been sidelined, and his exit was seen as somewhat inevitable.
The firings are part of a broader trend at ESPN
where the network has been cutting costs by laying off high-salaried talent. These changes reflect the ongoing challenges and shifts within the sports broadcasting industry, with ESPN trying to navigate financial difficulties while maintaining its position in a competitive market
ESPN has confirmed the firings of Sam Ponder, the anchor of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” and Robert Griffin III, an analyst who appeared on multiple shows. This news was first reported by The Athletic and subsequently confirmed by ESPN to Fox News Digital.
Sam Ponder’s departure is particularly notable because of her public stance on the inclusion of trans women in women’s sports. She had voiced concerns about fairness in sports, a position that garnered both support and criticism. Ponder’s firing has raised questions about whether her outspoken views played a role in ESPN’s decision, especially considering the controversy surrounding the issue.
Robert Griffin III, meanwhile, had already been demoted from his role on “Monday Night Countdown” due to performance-related issues, and his exit was seen as less surprising.
These moves are part of a broader series of layoffs at ESPN as the network continues to navigate financial challenges and restructuring efforts
Sam Ponder has not yet commented on her firing from ESPN, while Robert Griffin III responded humorously on X (formerly Twitter), using a clip from the movie “Friday” to joke about being fired on his day off.
The decision to terminate Ponder has sparked significant backlash on social media
The decision to terminate Ponder has sparked significant backlash on social media. Notably, Riley Gaines, host of OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast, and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele publicly defended her. The outrage appears to stem largely from the perception that Ponder’s dismissal was connected to her outspoken views on trans women competing in women’s sports, an issue that has been highly polarizing
According to a source familiar with the situation, the firings of Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III were characterized as business decisions by ESPN. Robert Griffin III was removed from “Monday Night Countdown” in favor of Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles center recently hired by the network. Despite being let go from the more prominent role, Griffin was still set to receive his full salary for his participation in a lower-profile college football show.
Sam Ponder, whose only show at ESPN was “Sunday NFL Countdown,” was also let go, but she and Griffin will still receive the amounts owed to them under their contracts. Ponder began her career at ESPN in 2011 on the Longhorn Network and eventually rose to become the host of one of the network’s top NFL programs.
The decision to fire Ponder has generated significant controversy, especially given her outspoken views on trans inclusion in women’s sports, which some speculate may have played a role in her departure
Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, joined ESPN in August 2022. During his time at the network, he served as an analyst on “NFL Live” and contributed as a college football analyst. In 2022, Griffin was also brought onto the “Monday Night Countdown” team, where he added his insights and experience from his NFL career to ESPN’s coverage
Conclusion
ESPN has fired Samantha Ponder, the host of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” and analyst Robert Griffin III, according to sources who informed The Athletic on Thursday. These moves are part of a broader set of layoffs at the network, which have been characterized as business decisions by ESPN. Ponder, who has been with ESPN since 2011 and rose to prominence as the host of one of its top NFL shows, and Griffin, who joined ESPN in August 2022 after several seasons in the NFL, were both let go despite their significant roles at the network.
The firings have sparked controversy regarding Ponder, who had recently voiced her concerns about trans inclusion in women’s sports, leading to widespread social media reactions and support from figures like Riley Gaines and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele
