After a tumultuous few months, Shannon Sharpe’s run at ESPN is officially over.
The Hall of Fame tight end and longtime analyst was fired by ESPN less than two weeks after settling a $50 million civil lawsuit related to rape allegations.
The lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” accused Sharpe of multiple instances of sexual assault during a two-year relationship, alleging manipulation, physical abuse, and trauma.
Sharpe has consistently denied the claims, calling them a “shakedown”.
Despite previously stepping away from his role on First Take in April, his return never materialized, and the network officially severed ties with him this month.
Sharpe joined ESPN’s First Take in fall 2023 after exiting FS1’s Undisputed, where he had co-hosted with Skip Bayless.
Despite initial success, the sexual assault lawsuit dramatically altered his trajectory.
Though Sharpe returned to podcasting via Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, his TV career in sports broadcasting effectively ended with this network departure.
Former ESPN host Dan Le Batard, reflecting on the situation, opined that the controversy likely spells the end of Sharpe’s tenure at the network—given Disney’s strict reputation standards.
Shannon Sharpe really fumbled the ESPN bag all for an OF girl. Sheesh. pic.twitter.com/OWopllCsGL
— Megs (@Rad_Megss) July 30, 2025
and
Shannon Sharpe realizing he gotta work with Skip Bayless again after getting fired from ESPN. pic.twitter.com/vKCDe1C3jb
— Gilly (@Call_Gill) July 30, 2025
and
Gilbert Arenas and Shannon Sharpe pack dropped within minutes of each other pic.twitter.com/EqpccPZdFb
— Hershey (@Hershayy_) July 30, 2025
and
Shannon sharpe a great example of how lust and lack of self control can take everything away from you
— BIG B (@BRIMAFIA) July 30, 2025
and
Shannon Sharpe let an OF girl ruin his career ???? pic.twitter.com/xafoxIN5Fw
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) July 30, 2025
