Shannon Sharpe not returning to ESPN after settling rape lawsuit

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN despite settling the $50 million lawsuit accusing him of rape.

Sharpe stepped away from his duties as a commentator on the network’s First Take in April after the lawsuit was filed by an ex-girlfriend, known only as “Jane Doe.” The former NFL star was accused of assault, sexual assault, battery, sexual battery, and intentionally inflicted emotional distress, all during a “rocky consensual relationship” with a woman more than 30 years younger that lasted for two years.

Sharpe vehemently denied all wrongdoing, maintaining that the relationship was “consensual.”

The lawsuit was settled earlier this month, per a social media post from the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee. The terms weren’t made public, though Buzbee did say the suit will be “dismissed with prejudice,” meaning the alleged victim cannot file the same charges against Sharpe in the same court.

However, despite having settled the lawsuit, The Independent has learned that ESPN will not have Sharpe return to his commentator role.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Sharpe for comment.

Sharpe announced that he would be stepping back from the network in April by posting a screenshot of a text message on social media. The former Denver Broncos tight end said he needed time away from his work to fight allegations that he called "false and disruptive,” but insisted he would return at the beginning of NFL training camp.

The announcement on his personal X account read: “My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual.”

He added: “At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”

Sharpe noted that he “sincerely” appreciates “the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”

In a statement reported at the time by Variety, ESPN said: “This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away.”

The network declined to comment Wednesday when contacted by The Independent.

Following his retirement from the NFL in 2004, Sharpe has served as an NFL analyst and later as a sports talk show host. Sharpe’s work on FS1’s Undisputed, debating Skip Bayless, helped bolster his TV career, resulting in his landing at ESPN on First Take in 2023. He also has two podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, alongside fellow former NFL star Chad Ochocinco.