Why Was Shannon Sharpe ‘Fired’ From ESPN?

ESPN has parted ways with former NFL player and media personality Shannon Sharpe, just weeks after he settled a high-profile lawsuit involving sexual assault allegations from his ex-girlfriend. The decision comes after months of speculation about Sharpe’s future with the network following the legal controversy.

Why did ESPN cut ties with Shannon Sharpe?

NFL Hall of Famer and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe is no longer with ESPN, The Athletic reported, citing sources. The network quietly parted ways with Sharpe in July 2025, shortly after he settled a high-profile lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend. While ESPN has not officially commented on the situation, multiple reports confirm that Sharpe will not be returning to First Take, the network’s popular morning debate show.

Sharpe had not appeared on ESPN since April, when the civil lawsuit was first filed. At the time, he publicly stated he’d return for the NFL training camp season. But as camps began, he wasn’t there.

The lawsuit, filed by a woman referred to as “Jane Doe,” alleged sexual assault during what Sharpe described as a consensual relationship. The woman sought $50 million in damages for alleged “pain and suffering, psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment, and humiliation.” Sharpe denied the claims immediately, calling the suit a “shakedown” and asserting that the relationship was entirely consensual. He was never criminally charged.

There is also an audio recording that surfaced online, allegedly about a conversation between Sharpe and his accuser. The recording, which included disturbing claims about physical behavior, went viral. Though the contents remain unverified in court, the damage to Sharpe’s public persona may have contributed to ESPN’s decision to distance itself from him.
The lawsuit was dismissed on July 18 after both parties reached a confidential settlement. Tony Buzbee, the woman’s attorney, confirmed the resolution in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the matter was “addressed satisfactorily” and closed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled in the same court.

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