Shannon Sharpe left ESPN after a short but influential stay. He left a larger imprint as a commentator on the hugely popular sports-talk program, First Take. The decision comes on the heels of a $3 million settlement of a lawsuit, paid to a former girlfriend who accused him of raping her. The lawsuit, filed by a woman referred to as Jane Doe, ultimately was for $50 million in damages.
Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion, has denied the allegations since Day 1. He denied the charges and described the suit as a “shakedown” — insisting that the sexual relationship was, in fact, consensual. The dismissal with prejudice occurred on July 18 after the parties to the lawsuit reached a private settlement.
Since late April, surely not by coincidence, Sharpe had not been on ESPN. However, his departure ends a high-profile chapter in his soon-to-be 40-year broadcasting career. He began this journey while still playing professional football, retiring from the game entirely in 2003. In the trenches As a player, Sharpe gained recognition as a four-time All-Pro. At the time, he retired as the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Sharpe’s time on First Take was noted for its engaging discussions and analysis, drawing attention from both fans and critics alike. The recent legal challenges clouded all that by casting a pall over his contributions to the network.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing Jane Doe, stated, “All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.”
Sharpe is departing from ESPN. Today, he still hosts two popular podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho. These social platforms allow him to remain active in the sporting media world. They give him the space to juggle his increasingly complicated personal life with his singular, ongoing legal troubles.