Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has openly criticized ESPN, accusing the network of not being entirely transparent about the reasons behind the dismissal of “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Sam Ponder. Tafoya, who has since shifted from sports broadcasting to political commentary, voiced her skepticism after ESPN claimed that Ponder’s departure, along with that of Robert Griffin III, was due to budget cuts.
“I don’t believe that anything is just budget cuts anymore,” Tafoya said in an interview with Fox News. She suggested that the network may have been looking for a reason to part ways with Ponder, rather than simply tightening its budget. “I think they clearly wanted to find an off-ramp for Sam. What’s troubling to me is the timing. This is three weeks before the NFL season begins.”
Tafoya questioned the decision to remove Ponder so close to the start of the NFL season, especially considering that “Sunday NFL Countdown” had just experienced one of its best years in terms of ratings. “Her show is coming off its best ratings year in quite some time, so I don’t know why they would do this so close to the season and bring so much attention, unless they want to bring in the next host and give that host a lot of attention. But what Sam said in that tweet was so reasonable,” she added.
RELATED: Michele Tafoya Criticizes Mina Kimes Over Tim Walz Comments
Ponder has yet to publicly address her exit from ESPN, leaving many to speculate about the true reasons behind her departure. Tafoya hinted that Ponder’s outspoken political views, particularly her stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports, might have contributed to her firing. Ponder has been vocal on social media about her belief that biological males should not compete in female sports, a position that has sparked controversy.
“Call me whatever names you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is inherently unfair for biological males to compete in female sports,” Ponder wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It’s literally the reason they were separate in the first place, and the reason we need Title IX.”
Despite ESPN’s explanation that the decision was financially motivated, the situation has raised questions about whether Ponder’s views played a role in her dismissal. With Ponder reportedly earning $1 million annually, her sudden departure has fueled speculation about the real reasons behind ESPN’s decision.
Tafoya’s comments have added to the ongoing debate about whether ESPN’s actions were influenced by more than just budget considerations, and whether Ponder’s departure was in fact a response to her political beliefs.
As the NFL season approaches, the network’s choice to part ways with such a prominent figure continues to draw attention and controversy.
