Shannon Sharpe’s time at ESPN has come to an abrupt and quiet end.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer is no longer with the network following the settlement of a $50 million civil rape lawsuit, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. The decision to fully cut ties with Sharpe came just days after the high-profile case was dismissed with prejudice—meaning it can’t be refiled.
Sharpe had previously taken a leave of absence from First Take in April 2025, around the time the lawsuit was filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe. She accused Sharpe of multiple acts of sexual assault and battery dating back to 2023, as well as threats, coercion, and illegal recording.
Sharpe publicly denied the allegations, calling them a “shakedown,” but eventually settled the case privately. The terms weren’t disclosed, but the case was officially closed on July 18, 2025.
While ESPN originally left the door open for a potential return, especially with NFL season coverage approaching, that window is now officially shut.
This wasn’t just about a lawsuit. Sharpe is one of the most recognizable sports voices on television, with crossover appeal in sports, culture, and politics. His departure highlights a clear shift in how networks like ESPN handle high-profile personalities facing serious personal allegations.
While the lawsuit was civil and not criminal, the attention it brought—and the weight of the claims—proved too heavy to ignore.
Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving Fox Sports and his long-running show Undisputed with Skip Bayless. On First Take, he found new rhythm sparring with Stephen A. Smith and was seen as a key part of the show’s refreshed success.
But now, that chapter is closed. Neither Sharpe nor ESPN has issued public statements about the split.
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