Shannon Sharpe’s $50M Sexual Assault Case Ends with Quiet Settlement

Shannon Sharpe’s legal showdown has come to a close. On Friday, attorney Tony Buzbee announced that the $50 million lawsuit against the NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN personality has officially been settled.

The case, which stemmed from serious accusations including sexual assault and emotional distress, was filed in April by Buzbee’s client, who had alleged two incidents in late 2024 and early 2025. Sharpe strongly denied the claims, labeling them “false and disruptive.” He also accused Buzbee of orchestrating a “shakedown,” alleging that the attorney planned to release an edited sex tape to back his client’s claims.

Buzbee confirmed in a statement that both sides acknowledged the relationship between Sharpe and the accuser was long-term and complicated. “After respectful negotiations, we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution,” he said, adding that the lawsuit would be dismissed with prejudice.

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, presented a series of explicit text messages between the two parties, describing their relationship as involving “role-play” and “fantasy.” Sharpe himself posted a video asserting his innocence and claiming he was being targeted because of his race.

Buzbee maintained the existence of an “incredibly damning video,” asserting it would have been played at trial, while also denying any manipulation of the footage.

With the lawsuit now resolved, Sharpe, who had briefly stepped away from ESPN, is expected to return in time for the NFL preseason, putting this chapter behind him, at least legally.