Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN, ending the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s brief but high-profile run as a commentator on First Take. The decision comes less than two weeks after Sharpe settled a lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend who accused him of rape, allegations he forcefully denied.
The Athletic first reported the move on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. ESPN declined to comment publicly, and no formal announcement has been made. Sharpe, 57, had not appeared on ESPN since late April, shortly after the suit was filed in Nevada. At the time, he called the accusations “false and disruptive” and said he expected to return in time for NFL training camps.
The lawsuit, filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe, sought $50m in damages. Sharpe characterised the claims as a “shakedown”, maintaining that their sexual relationship had been consensual. The suit was dismissed with prejudice on 18 July following a private settlement. The woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the resolution on X, writing, “All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.” No criminal charges were filed.
A three-time Super Bowl champion, Sharpe retired in 2003 as the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He later became a sports media personality, first at CBS, then as co-host of Fox Sports 1’s Undisputed. After departing FS1 in 2023, he joined First Take as a twice-weekly sparring partner for Stephen A Smith. He also hosts two popular podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho.
According to Front Office Sports and The Athletic, Sharpe was in talks for a major podcasting deal – potentially worth up to $100m – before the lawsuit became public. The status of those negotiations remains unclear.
