In a strategic decision to reduce costs, ESPN has announced its separation from former NFL player Robert Griffin III and NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder, sources have revealed. This move comes as the sports network aims to manage expenses and will involve honoring the remainder of their contracts.

According to sources, Griffin had two years left on his deal with ESPN, while Ponder was set to enter the final year of her three-year contract. The Athletic was the first to report this development, shedding light on the network's decision to make these changes with a business perspective in mind.

The departure of Griffin from ESPN coincides with their recent signing of former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce as the new host for Monday Night Countdown, adding fresh talent to their lineup.

This decision by ESPN comes after the network let go of approximately 20 on-air personalities the previous year. Figures such as Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, and David Pollack faced the axe as ESPN sought to identify cost-saving measures, particularly in public-facing commentator salaries.

In a statement released in July 2023, ESPN acknowledged the challenging environment and the need for additional cost savings. The network emphasized that these difficult choices were based on overall efficiency rather than individual merit. It expressed its commitment to meeting financial targets, ensuring future growth and managing costs during contract negotiations in the forthcoming months.

ESPN's decision to part ways with Griffin and Ponder highlights the continual evaluation and optimization of resources within the sports network. As industry dynamics evolve, ESPN is navigating the changing landscape while aiming to strike a balance between financial considerations and maintaining a robust roster of talent.

In the coming months, it will be intriguing to see how ESPN continues to shape its on-air lineup, leveraging the expertise of new personalities like Kelce while remaining committed to delivering top-notch sports coverage to its viewers.