ESPN personalities Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Express Unwavering Confidence About Shannon's Return to ESPN After Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Loose Lips and Legal Troubles: A Story About Shannon Sharpe
Remember when Shannon Sharpe announced he'd be stepping back from ESPN for a bit? Well, it turns out that hiatus might not be so temporary.
In April, an ex-girlfriend filed a massive $50 million lawsuit against Sharpe, alleging sexual assault, rape, and battery. Sharpe maintains his innocence, arguing the relationship was consensual.
And that's not all. There's a lawsuit from 2023 in New York, where another ex-girlfriend accuses Sharpe of sexually assaulting her during a heated argument in 2010. There have also been whispers of him settling with a female production assistant at FS1 for choking her.
But Sharpe's biggest ally is none other than Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's top gun and executive producer of "First Take". In a recent chat, Smith expressed hope that Sharpe would return to ESPN by August.
"He says he's innocent, but the court of public opinion can be a hard bitch," Smith said. "I really hope this blows over. I hope my boy's back on the airwaves talking football next season."
ESPN sees Sharpe as a true game-changer when it comes to viewership. They proved it when they re-signed him to a cool $6.5 million a year for just two days of work a week. His popularity and friendship with Smith don't hurt either.
However, no one's invincible in TV land. Even if Sharpe clears his name of these accusations, questions about his character linger. Some pretty nasty audio recordings and text messages have surfaced, making for quite the public airing of dirty laundry.
It's undeniable that Sharpe is valuable. But is he worth it? ESPN just signed Stephen A. to a major five-year, $100 million contract. If they value Stephen A. that much, do they really need Sharpe?
The network's got options. They recently signed Peter Schrager to a multi-year deal, and he's arguably one of the most informed and interesting NFL commentators around. Plus, they could easily find another former football player to spar with Smith.
Remember when they booted Michael Irvin for sexual misconduct allegations? The same could happen to Sharpe. And let's not forget the controversy over conservative views versus bad behavior at ESPN. Both Sage Steele and Ashley Brewer Kaminsky spoke out about it.
So, will ESPN take Sharpe back? Sources doubt it. But then again, Stephen A. is pretty persuasive. Only time will tell if he can convince the suits to give Sharpe another chance.
(PS – Sharpe's definitely NOT a fan of Donald Trump.)
Insight: Shannon Sharpe's legal history includes multiple lawsuits involving allegations of sexual assault, battery, and defamation. In one case, filed in April 2025, a woman accuses Sharpe of rape, sexual battery, and emotional distress during their relationship. He denies the claims and initially stepped away from ESPN’s First Take. Other instances include a 2010 sexual assault allegation and a 2023 defamation suit by a former girlfriend. Sharpe has consistently denied all allegations.
- Despite Shannon Sharpe's temporary hiatus from ESPN, the allegations of misconduct against him, including sexual assault and battery, might prolong his absence.
- In a recent lawsuit filed in April 2025, an ex-girlfriend accused Sharpe of rape, sexual battery, and emotional distress during their relationship, allegations Sharpe denies.
- ESPN, aware of Sharpe's legal history, has options beyond Shannon Sharpe for their NFL and celebrity entertainment segments, such as Peter Schrager and former football players.
- The network's decision to take Sharpe back may face uncertainty, given the string of misconduct allegations against him and past incidents like the suspension of Michael Irvin for sexual misconduct.
- Sharpe's popularity and friendship with Stephen A. Smith don't necessarily guarantee his return, although Smith has expressed hope for his return by August.
- Sharpe's off-camera controversies, including reported choking of a female production assistant at FS1 and the surfacing of damaging audio recordings and text messages, cast doubt on his image and status within the sports and entertainment industries.
