Shannon Sharpe out at ESPN following $50 million rape lawsuit settlement- here's what he plans to do next
has parted ways with
Shannon Sharpe
, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, following a civil rape lawsuit that rocked the network and sports media world. Sharpe denied the allegations, but the controversy grew too large to ignore. His departure comes after a private settlement and several weeks of public scrutiny.
Days after he settled a shocking $50 million lawsuit accusing him of rape, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported Wednesday that the Worldwide Leader had broken off his relationship with the Pro Football Hall of Famer, as per a report by the NY Post.
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Sharpe, 57, had been a high-profile addition to ESPN in the fall of 2023, leaving FS1's Undisputed alongside Skip Bayless for a fresh start. His sharp takes, charisma, and on-screen chemistry with Stephen A. Smith quickly made waves among fans.
How did the lawsuit unfold?
But things took a dramatic turn in April 2025 when a civil lawsuit surfaced accusing the Hall of Fame tight end of sexual assault, battery, and coercion.
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The plaintiff, who was named in the complaint as Jane Doe, claimed that Sharpe had repeatedly sexually assaulted her in late 2024 and early 2025.
Intimate details of the relationship were revealed during an ugly back-and-forth between Sharpe and the accuser and her lawyer, during which he denied "all allegations of coercion or misconduct" in a statement issued through his legal counsel.
According to Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, the statement from his legal team contained explicit messages that the accuser had sent him.
"This was a consensual, adult relationship that involved role-playing, sexual language, and fantasy scenarios, as the evidence clearly shows," Davis said.
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In the wake of the accusations, Sharpe left ESPN. "At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me," Sharpe stated in April.
What led to Sharpe's fallout with ESPN?
Though Sharpe initially announced a temporary leave of absence, ESPN confirmed this week that his exit is permanent.
According to reporting by The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, the network and Sharpe have quietly severed ties, closing the door on his brief but headline-making tenure. 'This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away,' ESPN said in a statement when the allegations first broke.
What's next for Shannon Sharpe?
Though he's now off ESPN's payroll, Sharpe is far from vanishing. He continues to host Club Shay Shay, his viral interview podcast, and co-hosts Nightcap with Chad Ochocinco. Still, his sudden departure from television's biggest sports network raises questions about his future in mainstream sports media.
FAQs
Did Shannon Sharpe voluntarily leave ESPN?
Sharpe initially took a temporary leave of absence, but his departure is now permanent.
What exactly were the allegations in the lawsuit?
Sharpe was charged with sexual assault and battery in a civil suit, which he settled.
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