• ESPN has parted ways with Shannon Sharpe following his settlement in a sexual assault lawsuit. Though no criminal charges were filed and the case was dismissed with prejudice, Sharpe won’t return to “First Take.” He’s reportedly nearing a nine-figure podcast deal amid his growing independent media presence.

BRISTOL, Conn. (TDR) — Shannon Sharpe’s time at ESPN has officially come to a close. The network and the Hall of Fame tight end turned television personality have parted ways, according to a report published Wednesday by The Athletic. The move follows months of uncertainty after Sharpe took a leave of absence in April amid a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a former romantic partner.

Sharpe, 57, had signed a multi-year contract with ESPN in 2024 and became a key presence on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith. But after the lawsuit was filed, alleging sexual assault and battery, Sharpe stepped away from the show and has not returned since.

In his April 24 public statement, Sharpe denied the allegations, calling them “false and disruptive,” and said he was choosing to “step aside temporarily” from ESPN duties in order to address the matter privately.

“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” Sharpe said at the time. “I plan to return to ESPN for the NFL preseason.”

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Preseason is now underway, but Sharpe remains absent from the network. ESPN has yet to issue a formal comment on his departure.

Lawsuit Settled, But Career Pivot Begins

The civil lawsuit, filed under the alias “Jane Doe,” sought $50 million in damages for what the plaintiff described as emotional distress and psychological harm. Though criminal charges were never filed against Sharpe, the lawsuit quickly cast a shadow over his network career.

The case was dismissed with prejudice on July 18 following a confidential settlement. Plaintiff’s attorney Tony Buzbee, known for his high-profile legal work, announced:

“After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution… All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily.”

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Dismissal with prejudice means the plaintiff cannot refile the same claim in the same court.

Sharpe had initially denounced the suit in a fiery Instagram video, accusing Buzbee of targeting Black men. But his public tone later shifted toward a more measured legal response, insisting the relationship was “100% consensual.”

Sharpe’s Next Chapter

Though he’s exited the ESPN spotlight, Sharpe has remained active in the podcasting world. His show Nightcap, co-hosted with former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, has kept him connected to fans. He’s also continued producing content through his Club Shay Shay platform, which grew in popularity after his departure from FS1’s Undisputed.

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According to The Athletic, Sharpe is nearing a podcast deal reportedly worth close to $100 million—an enormous valuation that signals his pivot toward media independence.

Will Shannon Sharpe’s next act prove even more impactful than his broadcasting reign—or is his TV legacy now complete?

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