Imagine turning on your favorite morning show and your beloved commentator just isn’t there anymore.
That’s what millions of ESPN viewers experienced when Shannon Sharpe went silent on the air.
After settling a high‐profile lawsuit, ESPN quietly cut ties with the NFL Hall of Famer—marking a sudden and unexpected shift in his media empire.
ESPN Parts Ways with Sharpe After $50M Lawsuit Settlement
Shannon Sharpe, beloved NFL legend and regular face on ESPN’s First Take and his own podcasts, has officially parted ways with ESPN.
The network ended their relationship after Sharpe settled a $50 million lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend, who subsequently retracted her rape accusation.
Sharpe has always denied the allegations and insisted on his innocence.
Lawsuit Allegations and Audio Evidence
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada in April, accused Sharpe of assaulting the plaintiff—including incidents in October 2024 and again in January 2025.
As part of the legal filings, audio was released where Sharpe appeared to threaten the woman, saying, “…I’m gonna fing choke the s out of you…”
His attorney argued those remarks were said in the heat of the moment and were not meant seriously.
Settlement Brings Legal Closure — But Public Questions Remain
This month, Sharpe’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, announced a resolution with “protracted and respectful negotiations,” calling the settlement “mutually agreed upon” and stating that the lawsuit would be dismissed with prejudice.
Neither side has released the financial details or public comments beyond that statement.
Sharpe’s Stepping Back: From ESPN Duties to Family Time
After the suit was filed, Sharpe announced he would “step aside temporarily” from his ESPN responsibilities to focus on family and personal matters, anticipating a return for NFL preseason coverage.
That return never came: ESPN confirmed it has formally cut ties with the former Denver Broncos star.
What Comes Next for Sharpe’s Media Career?
Before the lawsuit, Sharpe was reportedly negotiating media deals worth over $100 million, including potentially joining platforms like The Volume.
His podcast Club Shay Shay is hugely popular, with nearly 4 million subscribers and viral interviews—such as one with comedian Katt Williams that garnered nearly 90 million views.
For now, it’s unclear whether ESPN’s decision will dent Sharpe’s broader media prospects or influence negotiations with other outlets.
What ESPN and Smith Have Said (or Didn’t)
ESPN has declined to comment directly on whether the controversy, the settlement, or reputational concerns led to their decision.
Meanwhile, First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith publicly voiced belief in Sharpe’s innocence.
But beyond that, both sides have stayed silent, leaving many questions unanswered as fans and industry watchers await the next chapter.
