Can you believe this? Robert Griffin III is angry at ESPN for hiring Jason McCourty, who happens to be Stephen A. Smith’s friend. And if that’s not enough, this all comes just weeks after ESPN shockingly fired Griffin from the network. Talk about pouring salt on the wound!
I mean, you can understand Robert’s frustration, right? It’s like ESPN is rubbing it in his face. Not only did they let him go, but now they’re bringing in his so-called friend’s pal. It’s a total slap in the face.
But let’s be real here, it’s not just about the friendship factor. Griffin was a pretty beloved figure at ESPN, and it’s clear that his departure didn’t sit well with a lot of people. Many fans and colleagues were shocked and upset by the decision. And now, with the hiring of McCourty, it feels like ESPN is trying to replace RG3 without skipping a beat.
McCourty coming into the fold at ESPN is viewed as a move to appease one of the network’s biggest stars, Stephen A. Smith, amid his lucrative contract negotiations, per The Sun.
The addition of McCourty is viewed as a similar move to ESPN bringing Shannon Sharpe into the fold, which it did last year.
Sharpe is also viewed as a close friend of Smith’s, only giving him more of a license to walk to the beat of his own drum, no matter how much it may anger others.
ESPN has been cutting back its on-air talent in recent years, most recently dismissing co-hosts Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III over what one source described to DailyMail.com as a budgetary decision ahead of the end of the fiscal year.
‘He is still getting over this firing at ESPN, and it has been a very frustrating time for him, as he really got caught by surprise,’ per The Sun. ‘But what happened with Jason McCourty being hired by ESPN made him furious, as it comes at a time where the group has been saying that they fired some people, including him, to cut costs.’
‘It doesn’t make any sense. He is working on his next steps, but when the news about McCourty broke, he was in shock, really disappointed and surprised that ESPN made a move to recruit someone new in this context.’
ESPN is rumored to be negotiating a historic contract with Smith and possibly Sharpe as well. Front Office Sports reported in June that the First Take co-host and NBA analyst could earn as much as $20 million annually. Then on Saturday, the Sun reported that Smith is seeking $25 million a year.
McCourty is expected to make two appearances a week on First Take, The Athletic reported. The 37-year-old former Miami Dolphins star will continue his full-time role with CBS Sports.
All I can say is, ESPN better buckle up because they might be in for a wild ride. Robert Griffin III’s anger is justified, and it’s not going to die down anytime soon. Let’s see how this all plays out.
