The Pro Football Hall of Fame Member Took Time Off to Battle the Lawsuit but Vowed to Be Back on the Air
Shannon Sharpe ESPN departure headlines sports news as the Hall of Fame tight end and popular analyst confirmed he will not be returning to the network. This comes after a sexual misconduct lawsuit was filed against him earlier this year and was recently settled out of court.
Sharpe, a longtime broadcaster and Pro Football Hall of Famer, took a leave of absence from ESPN in April following allegations from a woman who claimed he raped her twice in October and again in January in Las Vegas. The civil suit was filed in Nevada.
Lawsuit Settled, Parties Acknowledge Tumultuous Relationship
The lawsuit was settled earlier this month, according to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the woman. In a July 18 statement, Buzbee said, “Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship… All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.”
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, previously said the allegations were “filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations,” calling the civil suit “an attempt at blackmail.” He maintained that the relationship was consensual and sexual in nature.
Sharpe Says He’s “At Peace” With ESPN’s Decision
While Sharpe initially promised a return to the network before the start of the 2025 NFL season, ESPN made the call to move on. A source confirmed to NBC News that Sharpe would not be returning, a decision he later addressed on his “Nightcap” podcast alongside co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.
“I really enjoyed my time at ESPN… They did what they felt they needed to do and I’m at peace with that,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe added that he wanted the news kept quiet until after the weekend so as not to overshadow his brother, Sterling Sharpe, who is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Together, they become the first brothers ever inducted.
“I profusely apologized to him earlier today,” Sharpe said of Sterling. “He said, ‘Bro, stop apologizing… I’m your big bro. I’m going to love you regardless.’”
What’s Next for Sharpe?
Sharpe’s departure from ESPN marks another dramatic shift in the network’s lineup as the NFL season gears up. The first preseason game kicks off Thursday between the Chargers and Lions in Canton, Ohio, with the regular season opener on Sept. 4 featuring the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl champs Philadelphia Eagles.
Whether Sharpe resurfaces with another network or focuses full-time on podcasting and independent media ventures like Nightcap remains to be seen. For now, the outspoken sports figure seems ready to move on.
