📰 Shannon Sharpe Won’t Return to ESPN Following Lawsuit Settlement

By Truh Diamond
July 30, 2025

ESPN has officially parted ways with former NFL star and prominent media personality Shannon Sharpe after a civil sexual assault lawsuit that he hoped would be resolved before the new NFL season.

⚖️ Lawsuit & Departure Timeline

In April 2025, a woman using the pseudonym “Jane Doe” filed a $50 million lawsuit accusing Sharpe of sexual assault, rape, and emotional distress during an alleged tumultuous romantic relationship. Sharpe denied the allegations and labeled the suit as “false and disruptive.”
The same week, Sharpe requested a temporary leave from ESPN’s First Take, stating he intended to return before the NFL preseason.
On July 18, lawyers from both sides confirmed a mutually agreed settlement that will result in the lawsuit being dismissed with prejudice.
Just two weeks after the settlement, ESPN officially cut ties with Sharpe and confirmed he will not return to his role.

📺 What Changed

Shannon Sharpe had joined ESPN’s First Take in September 2023 after leaving FS1’s Undisputed, where he co-hosted alongside Skip Bayless. His bold personality and vantage as an NFL veteran made him a standout addition. However, after initially stepping away under the assumption of a temporary leave, the lawsuit’s settlement appears to have permanently ended his ESPN tenure.

🧾 Legacy vs. Final Impression

Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer, aged 57 at the time. He was one of the most successful tight ends in NFL history and later became a top-tier sports media figure.
His presence on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith was both popular and commercially lucrative, but ESPN has chosen to move forward without him.

Despite this, Sharpe continues to produce content independently, expanding his podcasts such as Club Shay Shay and Nightcap—even reportedly negotiating major new media deals.

🔭 What’s Next with First Take?

ESPN is now exploring replacements for Sharpe’s role, with potential candidates including Cam Newton, Jason Kelce, Monica McNutt, and others. The network is restructuring the show’s lineup for the upcoming NFL season.

💬 Final Thoughts from Truh Diamond

Shannon Sharpe built a brand on charisma, confidence, and on-air chemistry. While the legal controversy ended quietly via settlement, the public and professional fallout is lasting. His departure leaves a significant void in sports media—and shows how reputational risk and corporate caution can override legacy and popularity.

It’s rumored that Shannon has paid the initial request of $50 Million dollars to Ms. Zuniga in order to resolve this case. Here is a breakdown of his income dating as far back as his football career started:

NFL Career: Sharpe had a highly successful 14-season NFL career, playing for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, winning three Super Bowls, and becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He earned roughly $22.3 million in salary alone during this period. This included a four-year, $13.8 million deal with the Ravens in 2000 and a seven-year, $16 million return to the Broncos in 2002.
Media Career: After retiring from the NFL, Sharpe transitioned to a career in sports media. He worked as an analyst for CBS Sports, co-hosted “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” on Fox Sports 1 (reportedly earning $3 million annually), according to Sportskeeda, and most recently joined ESPN’s “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith, where his annual salary is estimated to be around $6.5 million.
Podcasting and Business Ventures: Sharpe has also found success in the podcast industry, launching “Club Shay Shay” and co-hosting “Nightcap” with Chad Johnson. These podcasts are significant sources of revenue through ad sales and sponsorships, says MARCA. He is reportedly in negotiations for a podcast deal potentially exceeding $100 million, according to Front Office Sports. Beyond media, Sharpe has also ventured into business, launching a premium cognac called “Shay by Le Portier” in 2021.

🏁 Summary

April 2025: Lawsuit filed + Sharpe steps away from ESPN
July 18, 2025: Legal settlement reached
July 2025: ESPN confirms Sharpe will not return
Moving forward: Sharpe remains active through podcasting; ESPN’s First Take pivots to new analysts

What do you think?
Can Sharpe rebuild his media career outside ESPN? And how should networks handle public controversies involving high-profile personalities? Share your thoughts on Truh Talks.