Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe will not be returning to ESPN, according to a source familiar with the situation. This decision comes shortly after Sharpe settled a lawsuit in which he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. The source requested anonymity as the official announcement has yet to be made. Sharpe’s most recent appearance on ESPN occurred in late April, coinciding with the filing of the lawsuit in Nevada. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, although the lawsuit initially demanded $50 million. At the time the lawsuit was filed, the 57-year-old Sharpe labeled the allegations as “false and disruptive” and expressed hopes of resuming his broadcasting duties for the NFL season.
However, ESPN decided to part ways with the outspoken former tight end, who enjoyed a distinguished 14-year career marked by four All-Pro selections and three Super Bowl victories. Sharpe began his tenure at ESPN in 2023, securing a multiyear contract in 2024 and contributing as a panelist on the network’s morning show “First Take”.
Since retiring from professional football in 2003, Sharpe has maintained a prominent presence on television and social media. He initially joined CBS in 2004 as an analyst on “The NFL Today” before departing in 2013. In 2016, he teamed up with Skip Bayless on FS1’s sports debate show “Undisputed”. Sharpe exited this venture in 2023 following a disagreement with Bayless over comments made about Sharpe’s NFL career.
Despite these changes, Sharpe continues to host his podcasts, “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap”, alongside former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson. A Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2011, Sharpe retired as the NFL’s leading tight end in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, holding records for 815 receptions, 10,060 receiving yards, and 62 touchdowns, which have since been surpassed. On a separate note, Shannon Sharpe’s older brother, Sterling Sharpe, is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this Saturday.