Shannon Sharpe, ESPN Split After Lawsuit Settlement

Shannon Sharpe, NFL Hall of Famer and former ESPN commentator, has been released by ESPN after settling a $50 million rape and sexual assault lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend earlier in 2025. Sharpe, who has denied the allegations and called the lawsuit a 'shakedown,' reached an out-of-court settlement with undisclosed terms, with the suit to be dismissed with prejudice according to the accuser’s lawyer. No criminal charges were filed in the case, and both parties acknowledged their relationship as tumultuous but consensual. Sharpe initially left his role on ESPN's 'First Take' in April, planning to return for the NFL preseason, but ESPN opted to sever ties following the settlement. Despite his departure from ESPN, Sharpe continues to host his podcasts 'Club Shay Shay' and 'Nightcap.' ESPN has declined to comment further on the matter.