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Robert Griffin III ‘hurt’ by shock ESPN firing with huge doubts over claims he was part of ‘cost-cutting’ at network
Griffin's departure left some within ESPN shocked too, The U.S. Sun understands
NFL and college football analyst Robert Griffin III didn't see the ax coming.
The network parted ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner this week – and the dismissal left him "disappointed and hurt," The U.S. Sun understands.
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ESPN fired Griffin, 34, alongside studio host Sam Ponder.
The former Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens quarterback left despite having two years left on his current deal, which he signed in August 2021.
A sign of RGIII's stock falling came in April when the network handed his analyst job on Monday Night Countdown to new star Jason Kelce.
Still, Griffin didn't expect he would be let go completely, a source close to his entourage told The U.S. Sun.
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"There were many talks recently about how excited everyone was to come back as the NFL season is about to start soon," the insider said.
"And this news came to him like being hit by a full-speed train.
"He is very, very disappointed and hurt by it."
The move caught the insider by surprise as well considering Griffin's popularity among football fans.
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It is understood that the retired NFL quarterback's exit came down to cust-cutting at ESPN.
But the source doesn't believe money was the problem.
RG3 claims Florida State 'should be celebrated not mocked' hours after First Take star backed them to finish unranked
Notably, RGIII has been outspoken on a variety of issues on social media – even when ESPN dealt with controversies.
"It doesn’t really make sense because some other commentators and analysts are having salaries raised," the source said.
"And they are negotiating to extend deals with some stars of the channel for huge amounts."
Griffin's sudden departure shocked some of his colleagues too, a source within the network told The U.S. Sun.
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"We really didn’t expect the board to fire him as he is one of the most loved football commentators and analysts," the source said.
"He is a fans' favorite... and you fire him?
"That is such a bizarre move, such a weird thing to do as the season is about to start soon."
Griffin sent a thank you message to the insider, who labeled RGIII as "a joy to work with," and many other ESPN employees after receiving the news of his dismissal.
The source added his "sad" departure impacted the morale within the company.
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"That is not something that you would like to deal with as we are about to start another very busy season," the insider said.
"A lot of pressure is on all of us, and dealing with the firing of RGIII doesn’t give us that much of a great positive vibe before the season starts."