Shannon Sharpe | Source: Getty Images
ESPN Fires Shannon Sharpe After Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Jul 31, 2025 - 11:30 A.M.
The football analyst has broken his silence amid news of his dismissal from the network and has reportedly offered an apology to his brother, who is set to be honored over the weekend.
An insider revealed that Shannon Sharpe has parted ways with ESPN after settling a sexual assault lawsuit in early July 2025.
He initially stepped back from work to deal with his legal woes in April after a woman claimed that he raped her twice in October 2024 and again in January 2025. Allegations Sharpe vehemently denied.
The woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, revealed that on July 18, Sharpe and his client had settled the lawsuit. "Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship," Buzbee said. "After protracted and respectful negotiations, I'm pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution," he added.
Just as he turned his full attention to the suit, Sharpe vowed that he would make a return to work ahead of the NFL season. He has since broken his silence over the news of his exit from the cable sports network.
"They (ESPN) did what they felt they needed to do, and I'm at peace with that. But I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday, because I hate the fact that I've overshadowed my brother," the former football tight end stated on his "Nightcap" podcast.
The Denver Broncos star's older brother, Sterling Sharpe, a five-time Pro Bowler, will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.
His younger brother felt the need to apologize to him, saying, "I'm sorry that I upstaged you in this manner. That was never my intent." He pleaded with ESPN to wait until the ceremony, but they didn't budge.
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