Shannon Sharpe has been fired from ESPN, simply weeks after reaching a settlement in a $50 million civil lawsuit by which he was accused of rape.
The NFL Corridor of Famer and Membership Shay Shay podcaster had beforehand stepped away from his function on ESPN’s First Take after the lawsuit was filed earlier this 12 months, with expectations he’d return forward of the NFL season. That return is not going to occur.
A supply confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Sharpe gained’t be rejoining the community. The Athletic was first to report the information.
The exit comes simply weeks after the NFL Corridor of Famer settled a $50 million civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery.
As beforehand reported, the lawsuit, filed in April 2025 by a lady recognized as Jane Doe, accused Sharpe of violently assaulting her on a number of events between late 2024 and early 2025. The grievance outlined what she described as a long-term, tumultuous, and abusive relationship with the previous tight finish.
Shortly after the submitting, her legal professional, Tony Buzbee, launched an audio clip by which a person—allegedly Sharpe—might be heard threatening to “fing choke the s out” of her. Sharpe fiercely denied the allegations on the time, calling the lawsuit “a shakedown” and stating he supposed to sue for defamation. He additionally recognized his accuser, an OnlyFans mannequin, noting that they began a consensual relationship when she was 19.
On July 18, Buzbee introduced through Instagram that either side had “reached a mutually agreed upon decision.”
His assertion learn:
“Each side acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m happy to announce that we’ve reached a mutually agreed upon decision. All issues have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.”
A dismissal with prejudice means the case is completely closed and can’t be refiled in any courtroom.
Sharpe had taken a brief go away from ESPN’s First Take earlier this 12 months when the lawsuit first turned public, with preliminary plans to return in time for the NFL season. That return is now not taking place, in accordance with insiders.
Even whereas sidelined from ESPN, Sharpe continued to launch new episodes of Membership Shay Shay. He has not spoken on his exit from the community.
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