Shannon Sharpe has parted ways with ESPN, ending his tenure as a commentator on the network's First Take programme. The decision follows the settlement of a lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend who accused him of rape, which Sharpe vehemently denied.
The Athletic reported the move on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. ESPN declined to comment, and no formal announcement has been made. Sharpe, 57, had not appeared on the network since late April, shortly after the suit was filed in Nevada.
The lawsuit, seeking $50m in damages, was dismissed with prejudice on 18 July after a private settlement. The woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, stated on X that 'all matters have now been addressed satisfactorily'. No criminal charges were filed against Sharpe.
Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame tight end, joined First Take in 2023 after leaving Fox Sports 1. He also hosts two podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho, distributed by The Volume until the end of August. Reports suggest he was in talks for a podcasting deal worth up to $100m before the lawsuit became public.
