ESPN Fires Two High-Profile On-Air Personalities

The worldwide leader in sports also remains the worldwide leader in seemingly nonsensical budget cuts.

The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported on Thursday that ESPN was parting ways with both Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder in cost-cutting moves for the company. Marchand also reported both journalists made more than seven figures annually.

Griffin III, who two three years left on his deal, served as an analyst on a variety of shows and television broadcasts including “Monday Night Countdown;” however, he was replaced this season by recently retired Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce.

ESPN plucked Griffin III away from Fox Sports three years ago when both networks were vying for his services. It’s possible Griffin III could end up at Fox Sports now in some capacity, especially with the company looking to fill a Skip Bayless-sized hole in its lineup.

Ponder hosted the network’s “NFL Countdown” show but didn’t have a specific role otherwise. Marchand lists her likely replacements as either Laura Rutledge, who hosts “NFL Live,” or Mike Greenberg, who hosts “Get Up.”