ESPN Makes More On-Camera Changes as Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder Exit

ESPN continues to make changes to its on-air talent roster, with the Disney-owned sports media giant cutting Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder on Thursday.

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Ponder worked on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown , while Griffin (or “RGIII” as he is sometimes known) previously worked as an analyst on Monday Night Countdown , the pregame show to ESPN’s Monday Night Football , as well as on some college football games. ESPN hired Jason Kelce to join Monday Night Countdown earlier this year.

According to a source, both Griffin and Ponder were informed about about the decision earlier today, and they will be owed what is due to them in their contracts, with Ponder believed to have about a year left on her deal, and Griffin about two years.

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The move was described as a financial and business decision, with the timing meant to happen before the start of the NFL season, and ahead of the end of Disney’s fiscal year next month. It is possible that ESPN could make other changes to its talent roster, though it is not expected to be anything close to last year , when it cut a couple dozen hosts, analysts, announcers and others loose, including big names like Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber and Max Kellerman.

The Athletic first reported the exits of Ponder and Griffin. ESPN declined to comment.

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