ESPN has reportedly terminated analyst Robert Griffin III (RGIII) shortly after he publicly supported Florida State University (FSU) amid criticism regarding their exclusion from the 2023 College Football Playoff. Griffin expressed on Twitter that detractors of FSU’s situation were out of touch, highlighting that their absence was due to their starting quarterback suffering a serious injury, not a lack of performance.
While Griffin’s comments were not aimed at anyone specific, they come amid ongoing controversy over the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has criticized Florida State’s chances of making this year’s playoff, suggesting that they have lamented their exclusion too much and may end up unranked in 2024.
Reports indicate that financial considerations influenced the layoffs, which affected Griffin and Sam Ponder, host of “NFL Countdown” and wife of former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder. Although Griffin’s contract has two years remaining, ESPN plans to honor his substantial salary.
