Shannon Sharpe Leaves ESPN Following Lawsuit Settlement

Shannon Sharpe has exited ESPN less than two weeks after settling a lawsuit in which his ex-girlfriend accused him of rape. According to a report by The Athletic, the network quietly cut ties with the NFL Hall of Famer and former First Take contributor earlier this month.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2025, alleged that Sharpe had sexually assaulted his former partner. Shortly after the suit became public, Sharpe stepped away from his regular ESPN appearances, stating that he planned to return in time for the start of NFL training camp in mid-July. That return did not happen, and ESPN has declined to comment on his departure.

@feminegra Shannon Sharpe has settled a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed by 22-year-old Gabriella Zuniga. The case was resolved quietly, but public scrutiny has intensified. Viral clips of Sharpe’s past comments about women, relationships and his daughter have resurfaced, fueling criticism of his behavior. Zuniga’s legal approach, silent and strategic, earned praise. The settlement ends the lawsuit, but questions about Sharpe’s maturity and conduct remain louder than ever. #shannonsharp ♬ original sound – feminegra

Related | Shannon Sharpe Sued for 20 Million Over Usher Video Comments

Details of the settlement remain confidential, but sources briefed on the matter confirmed to The Athletic that both parties reached an agreement out of court. The lawsuit initially sought $50 million in damages.

Shannon Sharpe joined ESPN’s First Take in 2023 after leaving Fox Sports, where his on-air chemistry with Stephen A. Smith boosted ratings and visibility. But following a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old OnlyFans model, Sharpe reportedly lost a $100 million contract, his role at ESPN, an estimated $23 million in earnings, and several endorsements.

Authorities did not file criminal charges, but sports media companies responded swiftly, prioritizing brand protection and public trust in misconduct cases. It marks a steep and self-inflicted fall from prominence.

Key Sources

New York Post: Report on Sharpe’s ESPN exit following $50M lawsuit settlement

The Athletic: Source-based details on ESPN’s decision and the lawsuit timeline

ESPN: Coverage of Sharpe’s initial leave after the lawsuit was filed in April 2025