(PM.) ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder, the outlet’s only female announcer who has been outspoken against the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports, has reportedly been fired from the network, alongside analyst Robert Griffin III.
A source briefed on the matter told The Athletic that the decisions were made for financial reasons, with ESPN’s fiscal year concluding at the end of September. Ponder and Griffin both made over seven figures. They were informed of the decision on Thursday morning.
Ponder was set to enter the final season of a three-year deal with the outlet, which was worth more than $3 million, sources with knowledge of her contract said. Ponder replaced Chris Berman on Sunday NFL Countdown in 2017.
In response to the firing, former University of Kentucky swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines wrote, “So ESPN fires Sam Ponder, the only woman at the network who was publicly said men don’t belong in women’s sports. 3 weeks before football season? Sam is one of the most beautiful, genuine women I’ve ever met along with Sage Steele who had a similar fate….not a coincidence.”
So ESPN fires @samponder, the only woman at the network who was publicly said men don't belong in women's sports. 3 weeks before football season?
Sam is one of the most beautiful, genuine women I've ever met along with @sagesteele who had a similar fate….not a coincidence. pic.twitter.com/igeC87UOnK
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 15, 2024
