ESPN Shocks NFL Fans by Firing Rising Star Analyst Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder

ESPN has reportedly made the surprising decision to let go of analyst Robert Griffin III and “NFL Countdown” host Sam Ponder, citing financial reasons. According to reports, both Griffin and Ponder were earning over $1 million per year.

Griffin, a former NFL quarterback, had two years remaining on his contract, which will allegedly still be honored by ESPN. Despite his rising popularity, Griffin’s time at the network has come to an abrupt end.

The 33-year-old Griffin played for the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens during his NFL career. He joined ESPN in 2021 after impressing the network with his audition, beating out interest from Fox Sports and other networks.

ESPN has reportedly fired Robert Griffin III, despite having two years left on his contract

Griffin worked on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” show but was replaced by Jason Kelce this offseason. Kelce, the brother of Travis Kelce, is seen as a marquee signing for the network.

In addition to his NFL analysis, Griffin also worked on ESPN’s college football broadcasts alongside announcer Bob Wischusen.

Earlier this month, Griffin made headlines by supporting controversial Olympics boxer Imane Khelif, who was at the center of a gender row in Paris. Khelif, who went on to win a gold medal, was initially disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests.

Former NFL player Robert Griffin III threw his support behind Algerian boxer Imane Khelif

Griffin, who is married to Grete Griffin, was replaced by Jason Kelce on ESPN’s Monday NFL coverage.

Griffin, married to Grete Griffin, was replaced by Jason Kelce on ESPN’s Monday NFL coverage

Khelif, who has male “XY chromosomes,” was at the center of a controversy that sparked outrage from figures like former President Donald Trump. Griffin defended Khelif, pointing out that she is a “biological woman” who deserves “protection.”

“This is one of the most cruel and unfair situations I’ve ever seen happen at the Olympics,” Griffin said in a social media clip. “If you do any research, you will know that five million women suffer with higher testosterone levels than most females. This young girl is not a man competing against women, she’s a woman who’s being unfairly judged.”

ESPN’s decision to fire Griffin and Ponder has left many in the NFL community stunned, just weeks before the start of the new season.