Shannon Sharpe Departs ESPN After Lawsuit Settlement

Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Famer, has been let go by ESPN following a confidential settlement of a $50 million civil lawsuit, in which he was accused of sexual assault by an ex-girlfriend; Sharpe has consistently denied the allegations, describing the relationship as consensual and the lawsuit as a 'shakedown.' The settlement did not include an admission of liability, and Sharpe had been off ESPN airwaves since April 2025, when the lawsuit was filed. He expressed disappointment that the timing of the news overshadowed his brother Sterling Sharpe's pending Hall of Fame induction, which will make the Sharpes the first brothers to receive this honor. Despite the controversy, Sharpe stated he is 'at peace' with ESPN's decision and appreciates his time at the network. ESPN has not publicly commented on Sharpe's departure, and reports have surfaced that former NFL star Chad Ochocinco could be considered as his replacement on 'First Take.' The Sharpe brothers' Hall of Fame milestone remains a significant highlight amid these developments.