Shannon Sharpe’s tenure at ESPN has come to an end, as reported by The Athletic. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end and media analyst will not return to the network after settling a sexual assault lawsuit with a former romantic partner.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of the lawsuit’s settlement, which accused Sharpe of sexual assault and battery. Sharpe, 57, had joined ESPN in 2024 under a multi-year contract, but he has been absent from the network since the lawsuit was filed in April.
Sharpe initially branded the lawsuit a “shakedown” in an Instagram video, alleging that the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, was targeting Black men. He later took to social media to declare that his relationship with the plaintiff was “100% consensual” but stated his decision to take a temporary hiatus from ESPN duties, saying, “I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.”
In the same statement made on April 24, Sharpe expressed his intention to return for the start of NFL preseason. On Wednesday night, as news of his departure broke, he briefly addressed the situation and requested everyone to “wait until Monday” for further comments.
With training camps underway and the NFL’s first preseason game set to kick off Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, the details surrounding the lawsuit are significant. The woman, referred to as “Jane Doe,” sought $50 million for various damages, including psychological and emotional distress. Although the lawsuit was announced as dismissed by Buzbee on July 18, specifics around the settlement remain undisclosed.
Buzbee stated on social media, “After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” preventing Sharpe’s accuser from refiling the claim.
During his illustrious career, Sharpe secured three Super Bowl titles—two with the Denver Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens—alongside eight Pro Bowl selections. He gained considerable notoriety in media, transitioning from FS1’s “Undisputed,” where he debated Skip Bayless, to ESPN’s “First Take,” where he sparred with Stephen A. Smith.
Despite his absence from ESPN since April, Sharpe has continued to participate in the podcast scene, co-hosting “Nightcap” with former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. According to The Athletic, Sharpe was reportedly exploring a podcast deal worth around $100 million prior to the lawsuit’s public emergence.
