Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL star who took an interruption as a commentator of the “first take” of ESPN after being accused of sexual assault by an ex-girlfriend, does not return to the sports cable, Variety confirmed. ESPN’s decision comes after paying the trial at the beginning of the month.
A person familiar with the case said that Sharpe should not return to ESPN of the break he announced in April 2025 to face his legal tangles. Contacted by VarietyESPN refused to make the executives available for comments.
Sharpe representatives did not immediately respond to a comment request. The separation of links with ESPN with Sharpe was reported for the first time by The Athletic of the New York Times.
Sharpe had faced a trial of $ 50 million from a nevada woman who allegedly allegedly allegedly raped her and threatened in a two -year relationship. In a press release published on X in April, Sharpe said he “chose to temporarily withdraw” from his duties in ESPN, where he was presented in a good place on “First Take”, the show of the sporting table led by Stephen A. Smith. He also declared in the press release that “the relationship in question was 100% consensual” and he described the allegations “false and disruptive”. Sharpe lawyer Lanny J. Davis said in a statement that the trial was a “obvious and cynical attempt to shake Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars” and was “filled with lies, distortions and false statements”.
When Sharpe announced his break in the “first take”, ESPN had declared in a statement: “This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to keep us away.”
Sharpe, 57, joined ESPN as a contributor to “first take” in 2023 and ESPN unveiled a new pact in 2024 under which he was to extend his presence on the popular program. Sharpe had generally appeared on “First Take” on Mondays and Tuesdays. He also hosts a podcast entitled “Club Shay Shay”.
During his career in the NFL, Sharpe played mainly for Denver Broncos. He gained ground as a sports participant while holding skip bayless on “Undestated” by Fox Sports.
