Embattled ESPN personality and Club Shay Shay podcast host Shannon Sharpe was accused of strangling a female production assistant one year before the $50 million sexual assault lawsuit.
Sharpe, 56, allegedly choked the female Fox employee during his time co-hosting the “Undisputed” talk show between 2016 and 2023, two insiders reportedly told Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports on Thursday (April 24).
One source claimed Sharpe and Fox settled with the accuser for several hundred thousand dollars, though no lawsuit was filed over the alleged incident.
A representative for the retired NFL star denied the allegations in a statement to the press.
“There was no incident of choking involving Shannon on the FS1 set,” his spokesperson said. “On one occasion, he and a few colleagues were involved in some light physical interaction in a playful context. Fox Sports later chose to resolve the matter privately.”
Sharpe recently announced that he will step away from his ESPN duties until the start of the NFL preseason. In a statement posted on social media Thursday, the Pro Football Hall of Famer wrote:
“My statement is found here and this is the truth,” the podcast host wrote in a post shared on social media. “The relationship in question was 100% consensual.”
“At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties,” the First Take co-host continued.“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.”
“I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”
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In a statement to the press, ESPN expressed support for Sharpe’s decision.
“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” the statement read.
