NFL Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe has been let go by ESPN, and will no longer appear on the network's top-rated show "First Take," two weeks after he settled a $50 million lawsuit with an ex-girlfriend.
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BREAKING: ESPN has fired Shannon Sharpe, per @TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/qN3lnVoGeV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2025
Despite Sharpe's claims of his relationship being "100% consensual," the sexual assault and battery allegations may have cost him his career at ESPN.
That is, Sharpe recently settled out of court with the plaintiff, a 23-year-old former OnlyFans website model, for a reported sum of $23 million. From the start, Sharpe said this lawsuit was all part of a "shakedown" from both the woman and her well-known lawyer, Tony Buzbee.
To note, Sharpe never faced criminal charges in this case, yet in a civil suit, the 57-year-old TV personality was accused of sexually assaulting her on two occasions (October 2024 and January 2025).
According to the court documents, the woman cited "pain and suffering, psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation," while further accusing Sharpe of becoming violent in their relationship and recording their sexual encounters without consent.
On July 18, it was announced the case was dismissed as the two parties reached a settlement agreement.
Shannon Sharpe let an OF girl ruin his career 😠pic.twitter.com/xafoxIN5Fw
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) July 30, 2025
In view of Sharpe's career as a sports commentator, he joined ESPN in 2023, which came after an iconic eight-year stint on FS1's show "Undisputed" with Skip Bayless.
Unfortunately for Sharpe, this firing comes at the worst time possible, as he was engaged in talks to secure a multi-year $100 million contract at ESPN, before it was put on hold due to the lawsuit.
Nevertheless, Sharpe, who has not appeared in his ESPN role since late April, certainly has other options in sports media, as he conducts interviews with celebrities on his show "Club Shay Shay." In addition, to hosting a "Nightcap" podcast along with NFL star Chad Ochocinco.
Even so, missing out on 9 figures may not sit too well for Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe's accuser retired from OnlyFans after agreeing to a settlement less than 2 weeks ago. Now he’s retired too 😠pic.twitter.com/cuzJ9L8WnL
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 30, 2025
