Shannon Sharpe Attends NFL Draft While on Leave of Absence from ESPN
Shortly after announcing his leave of absence from ESPN in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault, Shannon Sharpe made an appearance at the NFL Draft.
Sharpe, 56, recorded a segment of his “Nightcap” podcast alongside cohost Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday, April 24.
This podcast episode was released following Sharpe’s announcement of his temporary hiatus from ESPN, provoked by a $50 million lawsuit lodged by a “Jane Doe” on Sunday, April 20.
“At this point, I have decided to step away temporarily from my duties at ESPN,” Sharpe shared via his Instagram Story on Thursday afternoon. “I am dedicating this time to my family while addressing these false and disruptive allegations against me. My intention is to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”
He added, “I genuinely appreciate the immense and ongoing support from my family, friends, fans, and colleagues.”
During the four-hour podcast recording, Sharpe did not discuss the lawsuit, instead reacting to Night 1 of the NFL Draft along with Johnson, 47.
The 13-page complaint against Sharpe, obtained by NBC News, indicates that the woman alleges a “rocky consensual relationship” spanning two years, along with claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Sharpe has denied all claims, including reiterating in his Instagram Story that “the relationship in question was completely consensual.”
Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe’s attorney, stated to Us Weekly on Monday, April 21, that the lawsuit contains “lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not prevail.” He accused the claimant of attempting a “blatant and cynical attempt to extort millions from Mr. Sharpe.”
Us Weekly has reached out to ESPN for a statement concerning Sharpe’s future with the network.
Sharpe became a recurring panelist on First Take in August 2023 and signed a multi-year agreement in June 2024 to broaden his role on the show.
Stephen A. Smith, one of Sharpe’s cohosts on First Take, discussed the allegations against Sharpe in a recent podcast episode, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” revealing he had consulted with ESPN chairman James Pitaro about the way forward.
“[Pitaro] emphasized that this matter is being taken very seriously,” Smith, 57, said. “We are thoroughly investigating this. Once we gather sufficient facts, we will determine the next steps. I’m sharing this with permission.”
Smith added, “In a perfect scenario, this ends up like Jay-Z, where the case is ultimately dismissed, allowing Shannon to continue on First Take and flourish.”
Sharpe has pledged to return for the NFL preseason, set to commence on August 1.
