Shannon Sharpe to ‘Step Back’ from ESPN Following Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe has announced his intention to take a temporary leave from ESPN following allegations of rape and sexual assault.
“At this time, I have decided to step back from my duties at ESPN,” Sharpe, 56, shared on his Instagram Story on Thursday, April 24. “I will focus on my family and addressing these unfounded and harmful allegations made against me. I aim to return to ESPN at the onset of the NFL preseason.”
He added, “I genuinely appreciate the continuous support from my family, friends, fans, and colleagues.”
Sharpe faces accusations from a “Jane Doe” in a $50 million lawsuit filed in Nevada on Sunday, April 20. The 13-page complaint, obtained by NBC News, describes a “rocky consensual relationship” lasting two years and claims that Sharpe inflicted emotional distress.
The NFL Hall of Famer has denied all allegations, reiterating his position in his Instagram Story on Thursday, asserting that “the relationship was completely consensual.”
Sharpe became a recurring panelist on First Take in August 2023, and in June 2024, he signed a multiyear agreement to broaden his role on the show.
He has not appeared on First Take since Tuesday, April 22, and will not participate in the network’s coverage of the NFL Draft, commencing Thursday evening.
Us Weekly has reached out to ESPN for comments regarding Sharpe’s future with the network.
Stephen A. Smith, Sharpe’s co-host on First Take, spoke about the allegations during the Tuesday episode of his podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
While Smith, 57, expressed his “sincere hope and prayers for his innocence,” he acknowledged that he had a conversation about the lawsuit with ESPN chairman, James Pitaro.
“[Pitaro] made it abundantly clear that we take this matter very seriously,” Smith stated. “We are investigating thoroughly. Once we gather all the necessary facts, we will proceed accordingly. That’s everything he conveyed. I mention his name with his permission.”
Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe’s attorney, told Us Weekly on Monday, April 21, that the lawsuit is “full of falsehoods, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed.” He accused the accuser of attempting “a blatant and cynical effort to extort Mr. Sharpe for millions.”
