Robert Griffin III has reportedly been dismissed from ESPN just a day after defending Florida State University football against criticism from colleague Paul Finebaum. Griffin’s unexpected firing comes despite having two years left on his contract. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor was viewed as an emerging talent among football analysts, well-known for his enthusiasm during broadcasts, akin to Tony Romo. Griffin had also been active on social media, which recently led to a confrontation with Finebaum.
In addition to Griffin, Samantha Ponder, the wife of former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder, was also released as part of reported budget cuts at ESPN.
Griffin’s dismissal followed his comments in response to Finebaum, who had stated on “First Take” that Florida State would end the season unranked due to a “hangover” from missing last year’s College Football Playoff. Griffin defended the FSU team on social media, criticizing anyone who mocked the team’s emotional reaction to their playoff exclusion and suggesting they deserved to be celebrated instead.
Griffin’s connection to Florida State extends beyond the football program, as his wife, Grete Griffin, was a member of the FSU track and field team, setting records in the pentathlon and heptathlon.
Samantha Ponder’s departure from ESPN also reflects the network’s recent budgetary adjustments. She hosted “NFL Countdown” and is married to Christian Ponder, who played quarterback at FSU from 2007 to 2010 before being drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.