ESPN has announced the termination of contracts for football analyst Robert Griffin III and “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder, according to sources familiar with the decision. The network made the cuts as part of a broader effort to reduce costs ahead of the end of its fiscal year.
Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, joined ESPN in 2021 and quickly became a prominent voice across various programs. Despite having two years left on his contract, Griffin’s role was set to be diminished with the upcoming replacement by former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce on “Monday Night Countdown.” Griffin responded to the news on social media, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences at ESPN, and thanking fans for their continued support.
Samantha Ponder, who has been with ESPN since 2011, was in the final year of a three-year contract worth over $3 million. Ponder had served as the host of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” one of ESPN’s flagship programs. The network is reportedly considering “NFL Live” host Laura Rutledge and “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg as potential replacements, with Greenberg seen as the leading candidate.
These cuts are part of a larger trend at ESPN, which has been implementing cost-saving measures throughout the year. While additional layoffs are possible, they are not expected to match the scale of previous rounds, which saw the departure of several high-profile figures.
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