Robert Griffin III hinted just days after being fired by ESPN that he would give his supporters answers.
On Thursday, it was reported that Griffin and Samantha Ponder, host of “Sunday NFL Countdown,” were fired as the network’s fiscal year approaches in late September.
Three days after being relieved of his duties, the NFL analyst took to social media to thank his fan base for their support and hinted at transparency regarding his firing.
“As I sit here with my family on this beautiful day, we are overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown us over the last 72+ hours,” he wrote on X.
“YOU PEOPLE ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST.”
Robert Griffin gives “answers” in a statement following his dismissal from ESPN on Thursday
Griffin was fired from the network after working as an NFL analyst for three years
“Your support means everything to us and I can’t wait to talk to you directly about everything,” Griffin continued. “I’ll be sitting down with YOU to chat soon, so be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, ask all your questions here and under my latest video and I’ll answer them soon.”
“We are honored that you enjoy the way we cover sports, tell stories and celebrate life. As a family, we try to inspire people to do their best every day, but YOU are the ones who inspire us to work even harder. Let’s continue this journey together.”
Griffin was hired by ESPN three years ago after the network and rival FOX Sports expressed interest in him.
Last season, he was considered ESPN’s second-best college football commentator, along with Sean McDonough, but the job ultimately went to Greg McElroy.
Griffin expressed his gratitude for his time at ESPN, he was fired two years before the end of his contract
Samantha Ponder was also laid off as ESPN neared the end of its fiscal year
Since then, Griffin’s reputation has fallen – making him a prime candidate for firing. While he will retain his seven-figure annual salary, his role has deteriorated to the point that ESPN has decided against retaining him, even though he still has two years left on his contract.
After news of his firing came to light, Griffin posted a clip from the movie “Friday” in which John Witherspoon’s character says, “How the hell can you get fired on your day off?”
Hours later, he posted a montage of himself as a reporter at a Clemson football game, expressing his gratitude for his time at ESPN.
“There have been so many amazing experiences and moments from the last three years that my family and I will never forget,” Griffin wrote. “What people sometimes don’t realize is that none of this would be possible without you, the FANS.”
“So THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my family during my playing days and my career as a sports reporter so far. We love you and will continue to seek and defend the truth and tell athletes’ stories the right way.”
