Particle.news

Download on the App Store

ESPN Ends Shannon Sharpe Contract After Lawsuit Settlement

Sharpe will continue hosting his independent podcasts after parting ways with ESPN.

Image
Former NFL football player and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe
Image
Shannon Sharpe during the 2024 RenderATL Tech Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview

  • ESPN officially severed its contract with Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe on July 30, concluding his role on First Take.
  • On July 18, Sharpe and his accuser, identified only as Jane Doe in Nevada filings, reached a confidential settlement that dismissed the $50 million civil suit with prejudice.
  • Sharpe has consistently denied all allegations, labeling the lawsuit an extortion attempt and stating the relationship was fully consensual.
  • Since stepping away from the network in April, he has remained active in independent media, continuing his Club Shay Shay and Nightcap podcasts under his own Shay Shay Media.
  • No criminal charges were ever filed against Sharpe, whose departure underscores the reputational toll from the high-profile allegations.