NFL Hall of Famer and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe has officially parted ways with ESPN. This happened after Shannon Sharpe, settled a $50 million civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery.
Sharpe, who joined First Take in fall 2023, had been a major draw for the network. He joined Stephen A. Smith after Skip Bayless departed for another network.
In April 2025, he stepped away from ESPN after a lawsuit was filed in Nevada. The lawsuit accused him of multiple non-consensual encounters. Something both parties later acknowledged was a “rocky, consensual relationship.”
Sharpe strongly denied the allegations from the start. In July 2025, the parties reached a settlement, and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. Despite early reports suggesting Sharpe might return for the NFL preseason. ESPN ultimately decided to end its relationship with the former tight end.
On his Nightcap podcast, Sharpe said he was “at peace” with the decision. However, he expressed disappointment over the timing. Sharpe felt the incident could coincide with his brother Sterling’s Hall of Fame induction. He didn’t want the moment to be overshadowed.
Sharpe still maintains his popular media ventures, including Club Shay Shay and Nightcap. He is expected to remain a major voice in sports media despite leaving ESPN.
What’s Next for Sharpe?
ESPN has closed the door on his return. Many insiders suggest Sharpe could secure another high-profile role in sports broadcasting or focus exclusively on his podcast empire. His shows have millions of followers and continue to be a strong platform for celebrity interviews and sports commentary.