Shannon Sharpe Dropped by ESPN After Settling Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL star and influential media personality, has been let go by ESPN following the quiet settlement of a serious sexual assault case that had been filed against him earlier this year.
The 57-year-old Hall of Famer, best known for his storied football career and his popular podcasts Nightcap and Club Shay Shay, was accused of rape by a woman who claimed to have been in a nearly two-year relationship with him. The lawsuit, filed in April in Nevada, sought over $50 million in damages and alleged repeated sexual violence, emotional trauma, and psychological abuse.
Sharpe vehemently denied the accusations, calling them a “shakedown” and branding the claims as “false and disruptive.” The woman, who filed the suit anonymously, stated she met Sharpe in 2023 at a Los Angeles gym when she was just 19 years old. According to legal filings, the relationship—described as consensual but “rocky”—allegedly included acts of aggression and culminated in a rape as recently as January 2025.
The lawsuit was settled out of court earlier this month. In a statement issued by the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee—who has represented other high-profile plaintiffs—the case was described as resolved: “Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.” No further details were made public about the terms of the settlement.
Sharpe had not appeared on ESPN since the lawsuit became public and has now confirmed his departure from the network. Speaking on an episode of Nightcap released Thursday, Sharpe told his audience: “I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN.” He added that he learned about the decision earlier in the week, suggesting that the departure was initiated by the network.
The BBC reached out to ESPN for comment, but the network has not yet issued a public response.
Sharpe appeared emotional as he reflected on the situation, particularly its impact on his family. In the same podcast episode, he offered a heartfelt apology to his older brother, Sterling Sharpe, who is scheduled to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend. “I really want it to be about him and I want it to be about my family,” Shannon said. “This coming out will overshadow everything he’s worked his entire life for. I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday.”
Despite the controversy, Sharpe remains one of the most recognizable figures in sports media. During his 14-season NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, he amassed 62 receiving touchdowns and won three Super Bowl titles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and transitioned into broadcasting, building a massive online following.
The legal case may be closed, but its ripple effects on Sharpe’s career and public standing are still unfolding.
