Shannon Sharpe Officially Parted Ways with ESPN Following $50M Lawsuit Settlement

Pro Football Hall of Famer and media analyst Shannon Sharpe is no longer with ESPN, according to multiple reports. His departure follows the settlement of a $50 million civil lawsuit brought by a former partner in Nevada, who accused him of sexual assault and battery. Sharpe, who has denied all allegations, had been on leave since April 2025 but was expected to return—until the network quietly ended their relationship after the July settlement .

Sharpe joined ESPN’s First Take in September 2023 and was a rising presence across the network, having signed a new multi‑year deal in mid‑2024. However, the lawsuit accused him of exploiting a long-term relationship, with his ex alleging controlling behavior and threats of violence. ESPN’s decision came shortly after the matter was resolved, with no criminal charges filed against him.

On his podcast Nightcap, Sharpe spoke out about the timing of his exit, saying he had asked ESPN to delay the announcement until after his brother Sterling Sharpe’s Hall of Fame induction. He expressed regret that the timing overshadowed that honour and offered public apologies to his family. He will continue to host his shows Nightcap and Club Shay Shay, despite his on‑air role ending at ESPN.

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