Shannon Sharpe, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and prominent ESPN analyst, is stepping away from his role on the network's popular show "First Take" amid serious allegations and a $50 million lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in Nevada by a woman identified as Jane Doe, accuses Sharpe of rape and threats during their nearly two-year relationship, which began when she was 20 years old.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Sharpe announced his decision to take a temporary hiatus from ESPN. He stated, "At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason." His announcement was met with support from ESPN, which acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away."
The lawsuit, filed on April 20, 2025, details allegations of sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress. According to the complaint, Sharpe allegedly raped Doe twice—in October 2024 and again in January 2025—while threatening her and manipulating their relationship. The civil complaint claims, "After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of 'no.'"
Sharpe, 56, has firmly denied the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a "shakedown." His attorney, Lanny Davis, has claimed that the relationship was consensual and that the lawsuit is an attempt to extort money from Sharpe. Davis also indicated that Sharpe had offered Doe $10 million to settle the matter before the lawsuit was filed, an offer that was declined.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing Doe, has a history of handling high-profile cases, including those involving allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs and NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson. Buzbee has released audio recordings where a voice, allegedly Sharpe's, can be heard making threats against Doe. Davis, in response, has stated that the audio has been "heavily edited and taken entirely out of context."
The nature of the allegations has raised significant concerns within ESPN. In light of the lawsuit and the public nature of the accusations, Sharpe has been benched from his regular Monday and Tuesday slots on "First Take." The network has indicated that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the claims before determining Sharpe's future with the program.
Sharpe's legal troubles come as he was poised to expand his role at ESPN following a contract extension signed in 2024. Known for his dynamic presence on "First Take," where he debates sports topics alongside Stephen A. Smith, Sharpe has built a successful media career since retiring from the NFL. He also hosts the podcast "Club Shay Shay," which has garnered millions of subscribers.
Before joining ESPN, Sharpe had a contentious relationship with co-host Skip Bayless on FS1's "Undisputed," but he found a new home at ESPN in 2023. His departure from the network for the foreseeable future marks a significant shift in his career, especially as he had recently signed a lucrative deal that was expected to exceed $100 million.
Despite these challenges, Sharpe continues to maintain a public presence. He is scheduled to appear at the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 24, 2025, where the first round will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including ESPN and NFL Network.
Sharpe has faced scrutiny before; in 2010, he temporarily stepped away from CBS Sports following a separate sexual assault allegation, which did not result in criminal charges. He later returned to his role without any disciplinary action from the network.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this situation develops. Sharpe has expressed gratitude for the support he has received from family, friends, and fans during this turbulent time, stating, "I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, friends, and colleagues."
The allegations against Sharpe spotlight ongoing issues of consent, power dynamics in relationships, and the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with such serious claims. As the case progresses through the courts, it will likely reignite discussions about accountability in the sports industry and the treatment of allegations against high-profile figures.
In the meantime, Sharpe's future at ESPN remains uncertain as the network navigates the implications of the lawsuit and the public's reaction to the allegations. The NFL preseason is set to begin at the end of July, with Sharpe hoping to return to his role by then.
