Staff Reporter
In a dramatic turn of events, Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN’s First Take, ending a short yet spotlighted run at the network. His departure follows a recent private settlement in a high-stakes lawsuit that accused him of rape—an allegation he firmly denied. While no criminal charges were filed, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. ESPN remains silent, offering no formal statement. The sports world now watches keenly as Sharpe’s next chapter, including a potential $100 million podcast deal, hangs in the balance.
📌 Story Highlights – Read Box
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Shannon Sharpe officially not returning to ESPN’s First Take
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Departure follows private settlement of sexual assault lawsuit
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Sharpe strongly denied the accusations, calling them a “shakedown”
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Lawsuit dismissed with prejudice on July 18; no criminal charges filed
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Sharpe hasn’t appeared on ESPN since April
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Known for Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, Sharpe may still land $100M podcast deal
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ESPN has issued no official comment on his exit
The future of Shannon Sharpe at ESPN has come to an unexpected end, marking the conclusion of what had been a high-profile and short-lived chapter at the network. The Pro Football Hall of Famer, who joined First Take in 2023 as a regular foil to Stephen A. Smith, will not be returning to the program, according to multiple reports.
The decision arrives on the heels of a controversial lawsuit filed against Sharpe earlier this year. Though no official announcement has been made by ESPN, and the network has declined to comment publicly, the writing appears to be on the wall. Sharpe has not appeared on the show since late April, around the time the lawsuit was filed in Nevada by a former girlfriend who accused him of sexual assault.
The former athlete, known for his animated personality and incisive sports commentary, issued a strong rebuttal at the time of the filing.
“These claims are false and disruptive,” Sharpe said in a public statement, asserting his innocence. “I look forward to clearing my name and returning to work.”
But despite his stated intentions to be back on air by the start of the NFL training camps, that return never came. Instead, in a move that has drawn attention across sports media circles, ESPN has quietly chosen to move on.
The lawsuit, brought by a woman under the alias Jane Doe, demanded $50 million in damages. The claims included “pain and suffering, psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation.” Sharpe dismissed the case as a meritless attack on his character.
“It was a shakedown,” Sharpe insisted, adding that their relationship had been entirely consensual.
A turning point came on July 18, when the case was dismissed with prejudice, signaling that it cannot be refiled. According to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the plaintiff, the matter was “addressed satisfactorily.”
“All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed,” Buzbee wrote in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
No criminal charges were filed in connection to the case, and the terms of the private settlement were not made public.
Sharpe, 57, leaves behind a notable legacy both on and off the field. A three-time Super Bowl champion and former record-holder in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns among tight ends, he retired in 2003 and smoothly transitioned into broadcasting. After initial roles with CBS, he became a cultural fixture on FS1’s Undisputed, where he famously sparred with co-host Skip Bayless.
His move to First Take in 2023 was seen as a strategic boost for the ESPN morning show, adding a dynamic and entertaining voice to its already opinion-heavy format.
But Sharpe’s presence has extended well beyond television. He currently hosts two successful podcasts — Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho, the latter co-hosted with former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Both are distributed by The Volume, though that agreement is scheduled to end in August.
Before the lawsuit surfaced, The Athletic and Front Office Sports had reported that Sharpe was engaged in negotiations for a major podcasting deal — one that could have reached as high as $100 million. Whether those talks are still ongoing or have been shelved in light of recent developments remains unclear.
For now, Sharpe remains publicly silent about his future with ESPN officially behind him. Still, with his influential media presence, signature style, and large following, few doubt that he will find a new platform.
Shannon Sharpe’s quiet exit from ESPN marks the end of a brief but attention-grabbing chapter in his post-NFL media journey. With the legal matter privately settled and no formal charges pursued, the future of the celebrated analyst remains uncertain. As the dust settles, questions linger over his next professional move—particularly the fate of his potential multi-million-dollar podcast deal. Though his time at First Take has closed without fanfare, Sharpe’s voice remains powerful in sports media, and the industry now waits to see where it will echo next.
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