ESPN firebrand Stephen A. Smith has admitted his surprise after rival networks opted not to "gobble up" Robert Griffin III after his departure from the network.
The former NFL quarterback was replaced by Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce in the role as an analyst on "Monday Night Countdown" in 2024. It was reported that the ex-Baltimore Ravens ace still had two years left to run on his contract with ESPN at the time of his firing.
Alongside Griffin - who earned a salary of $1 million-a-year with the company - "Sunday NFL Countdown" host Sam Ponder also departed the firm. The Athletic's Andrew Marchand claimed that the decision to part ways with the pair formed part of a "budget moves" on ESPN's behalf.
After leaving his post following a three-year stay with the network, Griffin has since reflected on his departure, as he addressed how things played out during an appearance on the "Rich Eisen radio show". He said: "It hurt me for them, not because they need me because they don't.
"That's the thing about this business - nobody needs anyone," the retired football star continued, as he admitted to being left hurt by the circumstances surrounding his firing. "But just because we were so close, and we were kind of getting the chance to rekindle that fire. That had already been assigned."
Griffin has since turned his talents on the mic to podcasting, where he came face-to-face with ESPN stalwart Smith, as they discussed his time with the network. At one point in the recording, the former - who remains a free agent following his firing - accused the latter of "dragging his reputation" recently on "First Take".
Delivering a swift response to this allegation, Smith replied: "First of all let me state for the record, at First Take, you did a hell of a job. Secondly, I think you are a talent on the airwaves. I don't know why others haven't gobbled you up. Number 3, I didn't want you gone. I said that too."
Recently, Griffin waded into a debate over discussions regarding MLB legend Jackie Robinson on ESPN, as he claimed that sports shows "should be about sports not politics". Calling out his former ESPN colleague for his take, Smith remarked: 'RGIII, respectfully my brother... you sound ignorant. You sound utterly clueless."
Discussing the ex-NFL star's departure from the network, he added: "So since you have this penchant, this proclivity to be passive-aggressive because that’s how you roll, let me show you how to be direct.
"RGIII, people at ESPN didn’t like you bro. They didn’t like you. You know the names. I said names as in plural. Do you know why I can say that to you RGIII? 'Cause I’m not one of those people. I actually loved you on First Take. Every time you came on First Take, you did a damn good job. Are you ready for this RGIII? Don’t faint. The bosses would tell you I wanted them to keep you."
