Shannon Sharpe has responded to reports that ESPN has parted ways with him less than two weeks after the settlement of a sexual assault lawsuit.
The former NFL tight end shared his thoughts during an episode of his Nightcap podcast, addressing the news and the timing of its release.
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Sharpe said he learned about his departure earlier in the week and hoped the announcement could be delayed until after his brother Sterling Sharpe’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He wanted the moment to remain focused on his brother’s career achievement.
“Obviously, I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN,” Sharpe said. “I found out this information a little earlier in the week and really the only thing that I really ask is like, guys, could we wait until Monday. My brother’s going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really wanted it to be about him and I wanted it to be about my family.”
Sharpe acknowledged that the timing would inevitably take attention away from Sterling’s accomplishment. “I know this coming out will overshadow everything that he’s worked his entire life for. And unfortunately, you know, it didn’t happen that way.”
After speaking with Sterling, Sharpe said his brother reassured him there was no need for continued apologies. “And so, as I told him, as I profusely apologized to him earlier today, he said, bro, stop apologizing,” Shannon recalled. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m your big bro. I’m gonna love you regardless. We all make mistakes. We all—and he says, bro, I love you. So I’m done with this. You’re done with it too. Move on.”
Sharpe also reflected on his career at ESPN and the relationship he built with viewers. “I really enjoyed my time at ESPN. It gave me an opportunity to bring my audience that saw me really just grow,” he said. “They saw me, you know, ‘Lakers in 5,’ and they saw me say all these funny analogies that my grandparents gave me, and I was able to bring that to ESPN. So I’m very, very grateful for that.”
He explained that while the network made its decision, he remains at peace with the outcome.
“But I just wished, of all things—like I said, they did what they felt they needed to do and I’m at peace with that. But I just wish, guys, I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday because I hate the fact that I’m overshadowing my brother.”
As you know, Sharpe has been off ESPN since April when the lawsuit became public. The case was resolved with a $50 million settlement, and no criminal charges were brought.
