ESPN made headlines on Thursday when they announced the firing of two of their prominent personalities, Samantha Ponder and Robert Griffin III. The news was first reported by The Athletic and later confirmed by ESPN to Fox News Digital. Ponder, who served as an anchor on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” and Griffin, an analyst who appeared on multiple shows, were both let go in what was described as a business decision.
The decision to fire Ponder sparked outrage on social media, with many fans and colleagues expressing their support for her. Riley Gaines, the host of OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast, and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele were among those who defended Ponder. Ponder was known for advocating for fairness in women’s sports and defending athletes like Harrison Butker for their faith-based speeches.
Griffin, a former NFL player who joined ESPN in 2022, was also let go in what was described as a business decision. He was replaced on “Monday Night Countdown” by former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. Despite being off the high-profile show, Griffin will still receive his full salary for a low-profile college football program. Both Ponder and Griffin will receive what they are owed in their contracts.
Ponder, who joined ESPN’s Longhorn Network in 2011, worked her way up to become the host of one of the network’s top NFL shows. Griffin, on the other hand, had a successful career in the NFL before transitioning to a role as an analyst at ESPN. He was known for his insights on “NFL Live” and college football.
The firings of Ponder and Griffin mark a significant shake-up at ESPN, with fans and colleagues expressing their disappointment over the decision. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both Ponder and Griffin in their respective careers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
