The sports world is shook—ESPN fires Shannon Sharpe following a jaw-dropping $50 million sexual assault lawsuit settlement. The Hall of Fame tight end, turned TV personality, is now off the air and off the ESPN roster for good.
RELATED: Shannon Sharpe Sued For Sexual Assault in Nevada Civil Lawsuit, Plaintiff Seeks $50 Million in Damages
Sharpe Gets the Boot
Sharpe had already taken a leave of absence from “First Take” in April 2025 when the lawsuit surfaced. Filed by an anonymous woman going by “Jane Doe,” the suit accused Sharpe of rape, emotional abuse, battery, manipulation, and secret recordings during their two-year relationship.
In July, both sides reached a confidential settlement, and the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it’s officially closed and can’t be refiled.
ESPN Says BYE
Despite plans for Sharpe to return for NFL preseason coverage, ESPN pulled the plug. After months of whispers, the network officially terminated his contract.
RELATED: Shannon Sharpe Fires Back at Rape Lawsuit, Calls Claims “Blackmail Attempt” and Reveals Explicit Texts
From Football Field to Podcast King
Sharpe’s departure ends his ESPN run that started in 2023—but don’t get it twisted. His podcast Club Shay Shay is still booming, with viral interviews and millions of listeners. He also co-hosts Nightcap, and both shows continue despite the controversy.
Earlier this year, Club Shay Shay snagged an NAACP Image Award, and Sharpe remains a social media powerhouse.
