According to sources briefed on the matter, ESPN has terminated “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III, as reported by The Athletic on Thursday.
Financial reasons were cited as the primary factor for these decisions, as ESPN approaches the end of its fiscal year in September. Both Ponder and Griffin had salaries exceeding seven figures. They were informed of ESPN’s choice on Thursday morning, but have not provided comments to The Athletic. Griffin did acknowledge the move in posts on X.
Ponder was in the final season of a three-year contract worth over $3 million, with her role limited to “Sunday NFL Countdown” host. ESPN is considering Laura Rutledge and Mike Greenberg as potential replacements for Ponder. Greenberg is reportedly the leading candidate, as per sources familiar with internal discussions at the network.
While ESPN is only making buyouts for Ponder and Griffin currently, there may be additional cuts to reduce costs by the end of September. However, these layoffs are not expected to be as extensive as those in June, where around 20 major figures were removed, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, and Jalen Rose.
Samantha Ponder attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. (Photo: Cindy Ord / Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Griffin, once seen as a rising star at ESPN, had two years remaining on his contract. While he was initially highly regarded at the network, his role had diminished, leading to his departure.
Griffin’s removal from “Monday Night Countdown” and the hiring of Jason Kelce as his replacement were clear indicators of his decreased standing. Fox Sports, which had shown interest in Griffin, ultimately chose Mark Ingram II for its “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show instead.
Griffin and Ponder have different social media presences, with Griffin vocal on various issues and controversies, while Ponder has commented on transgender athletes and other sensitive topics sporadically.
Ponder’s ascension to replace Chris Berman on “Countdown” in 2017 marked a significant career milestone, transitioning from her role on “College GameDay.”
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(Photo: Peter Joneleit / Getty Images)