Overview

• ESPN severed ties with Shannon Sharpe after he settled a sexual misconduct lawsuit and will no longer contribute to NBA coverage.
• Gilbert Arenas pleaded not guilty to a federal indictment alleging he ran illegal poker games at his Los Angeles–area mansion and faces a September court date.
• Marcus Morris was accused of stealing over $250,000 from Las Vegas casinos via bad checks, served two days in jail and has repaid his gambling debts.
• Fans have highlighted that Stephen A. Smith remains the lone ESPN NBA analyst untouched by recent legal or misconduct controversies.
• ESPN now confronts a talent overhaul as it manages ongoing legal cases and high-profile exits while relying on Smith under his $100 million contract.