Shannon Sharpe will not be returning to ESPN. The embattled Hall of Fame tight end turned polarizing sports commentator has officially parted ways with the network following the settlement of a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit brought against him by a former girlfriend. As first reported by The Athletic, ESPN has decided not to bring Sharpe back after he took a leave of absence in April 2025 to address the allegations.
The departure marks a swift fall from grace for Sharpe, who had emerged as a powerful voice in sports media and a regular presence on First Take, ESPN’s weekday debate show hosted by Stephen A. Smith.
The $50 Million Allegation
Sharpe, 57, was facing a $50 million lawsuit filed in Nevada by a woman identified in legal documents as “Jane Doe.” The lawsuit accused Sharpe of rape, threats, and coercion during what was described as a two-year relationship. The suit ignited a media firestorm and prompted immediate scrutiny of ESPN’s decision to continue featuring the commentator amid serious legal claims.
Sharpe denied all accusations, stating in an April post on X (formerly Twitter), “The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” and calling the lawsuit “false and disruptive.” His attorney, veteran crisis manager Lanny J. Davis, issued a blistering response at the time, characterizing the legal filing as a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars,” filled with “lies, distortions, and misrepresentations.”
ESPN acknowledged the situation in a short statement when Sharpe announced his leave: “This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away.”
Lawsuit Settled and Dismissed
On July 18, after what lawyer Tony Buzbee called “protracted and respectful” negotiations, both sides reached an agreement. The terms of the agreement are not reported, but the complaint was dismissed with prejudice, a judicial action that bars the plaintiff from refiling the case again.
Sharpe issued no post-settlement public statement. ESPN, contacted by Where Is The Buzz, would not put any executives on the record and would not provide any additional clarification regarding Sharpe’s employment status. However, one individual close to the matter confirmed to The Athletic that Sharpe will not be returning to the network.
