ESPN has reportedly fired analyst Robert Griffin III and host Samantha Ponder due to budget cuts. Both had high salaries and were let go as Disney, ESPN’s parent company, approached its fiscal year-end.
Griffin joined ESPN in 2021, working on college football and NFL shows. Griffin joined ESPN in 2021 with two years left on his contract. He appeared on morning shows and Monday Night Countdown but was recently replaced by Jason Kelce.
Ponder has been with ESPN since 2011 and hosted “Sunday NFL Countdown.” Their contracts will be honored, but they were replaced by other hosts. ESPN has not commented on the firings.
Although Robert Griffin III has interacted with his X followers.
NFL fans reacting to Rober Griffin III firing
Soon after the news came out in the public, Robert Griffin III took to X to share a meme upon his firing. He shared,
Soon, Comments poured in numbers from the NFL Community:
“Don’t always agree with you (and that’s okay, of course), but hate to see this; albeit ESPN is a woke, sinking ship. Best of luck in whatever is next, hombre.” one person said.
“Incredible to think they fire RGIII and keep Stephan A Smith.” a fan said.
“Appreciate your sense of humor about it, RG! On to bigger and better.” a fan commented.
Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
“I think you should go the way of Pat McAfee, Dan Patrick, Tucker Carlson, etc, and do your own show your own way! You’ve been so successful at everything you’ve done, since you were a kid… you would CRUSH this!” one fan commented.
“I really enjoyed your commentary during games. No doubt you will catch on with someone else. Very soon!” a fan said.
“Love that you’ve kept your sense of humor. All of us on X don’t really need to worry about getting fired or released from a position being announced so publically. Respect to you for how you have handled it.” a fan commented.
So fans were all in support, and they especially liked Robert Griffin III’s reaction to the firing. He handled the situation well.
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