Shannon Sharpe officially out at ESPN just weeks after $50M sexual assault lawsuit settlement
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But what's raising even more eyebrows? The split comes barely two weeks after Sharpe settled a $50 million rape and sexual assault lawsuit filed by a woman identified as 'Gabriella "Gabbi" Zuniga'
ESPN has yet to make any public statement, but reports from multiple outlets including
The Athletic
confirm the network has parted ways with the NFL legend. It's a quiet goodbye with loud implications, and fans are wondering whether Sharpe's TV career will ever recover.
ESPN parts ways with Shannon Sharpe after lawsuit settlement, keeping decision low-key and unannounced
ESPN isn't exactly shouting this one from the rooftops. There was no dramatic farewell episode, no press release, and definitely no Stephen A. sendoff. But make no mistake, Shannon Sharpe is done at the network.
According to reports, ESPN has cut ties with Sharpe in the aftermath of his sexual assault lawsuit settlement. The network reportedly chose to handle the split behind the scenes, likely to avoid added public scrutiny.
It's unclear whether Sharpe was let go, resigned, or if the two sides reached a mutual agreement. Still, the message is loud and clear, ESPN is moving forward without him.
Shannon Sharpe settled a multimillion-dollar rape lawsuit just two weeks ago
Back in April, Sharpe was hit with a $50 million lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend who accused him of rape and sexual assault. The woman, referred to as 'Jane Doe,' alleged that Sharpe assaulted her at his Los Angeles home and emotionally manipulated her during their relationship.
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Sharpe denied all claims and filed a countersuit, but on July 18, 2025, both sides reached a confidential settlement. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, which means it can't be refiled.
Legally, the case is closed. But the reputational fallout was clearly just beginning.
Sharpe had already been absent from First Take for months amid the controversy
Sharpe hasn't appeared on
First Take
since April, around the time the lawsuit was filed. At the time, ESPN gave no explanation for his absence, and fans speculated whether it was connected to the legal drama.
Even Stephen A. Smith hinted in recent weeks that he hoped Sharpe would be back for the NFL season. But that comeback isn't happening, ESPN has now moved on completely.
Sharpe's absence had already sparked online rumors. Now, it's confirmed: he's out.
Sharpe's media career isn't necessarily over. His YouTube show
Club Shay Shay
still pulls major numbers, especially after viral interviews with
and others. He also maintains a strong social media presence and has options outside traditional TV.
But a return to ESPN or another major sports network? That's a much harder path now.
FAQs:
Q: Is the lawsuit still active?
No. The lawsuit was settled on July 18, 2025, and dismissed with prejudice. That means the case is closed and cannot be reopened.
Q: Is Shannon Sharpe returning to Club Shay Shay?
Yes. He still runs
Club Shay Shay
independently and may focus entirely on that platform going forward.
Q: Will Stephen A. Smith address Sharpe's departure?
Not yet. Smith has made no public comment as of July 30, 2025.
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