ESPN Stars Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Express Undue Enthusiasm Regarding Sharpe's ESPN Re-Entry Post Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit
When Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe declared his temporary exit from ESPN last month, he promised a return by the NFL preseason.
However, our sources reveal that Sharpe's return isn't guaranteed.
In April, Sharpe's ex-girlfriend filed a $50 million lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault, rape, and sexual battery. Sharpe maintains his innocence, stating the relationship was consensual.
As per the New York Times, Sharpe faces another lawsuit in New York filed in 2023. This suit alleges sexual assault during an argument in 2010. Front Office Sports reported that Sharpe previously settled with a female production assistant from FS1, who claimed he choked her.
Yet, he boasts a powerful ally in stephen A. Smith, ESPN's biggest star and the executive producer of "First Take." Smith recently expressed optimism about Sharpe's return in August, stating, "He swears he's innocent of those things... I'm hoping this blows over. I'm hoping I'll have my brother back on the airwaves talking football next season."
Insiders at ESPN view Sharpe as one of their few real game-changers when it comes to linear television viewership. The company demonstrated itsValue of Sharpe by re-signing him to a $6.5 million annual salary for just two days of work each week.
Sharpe's popularity, coupled with his relationship with Smith, enhances his chances of returning to ESPN eventually.
Despite this, no one in media is immune. Even if Sharpe's name is cleared, questions about his character may linger. For instance, leaked audio allegedly features Sharpe threatening to choke "the shit out of" his accuser during an argument. Text messages reveal a particularly ugly exchange between them.
Furthermore, Sharpe's sex life arguably sees more public attention than the average Disney employee. At almost 60, he seems to maintain relationships with women approximately three decades younger, many of whom are associated with OnlyFans.
While Sharpe is undeniably valuable, his value might not be enough to outweigh the controversies. After all, ESPN recently signed Stephen A. to a five-year, $100 million contract for "First Take." If Smith demands such a sum, he shouldn't need Sharpe that much.
ESPN has other options, like Peter Schrager, who has become one of the most informed and engaging NFL commentators on a daily basis. Or they could find another former football player to spar with Smith. Fact is, Sharpe replaced Michael Irvin, who was let go due to sexual misconduct allegations.
Disney must also consider the potential fallout from bringing Sharpe back. Already, Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, has criticized the network for taking conservative views more seriously than questionable behavior. Other conservative anchors who were let go, like Ashley Brewer Kaminsky, claim they were judged more harshly for their political beliefs than Sharpe's conduct.
Fortunately for Sharpe, he's made his political stance clear—he is no fan of Trump.
In conclusion, industry insiders don't anticipate ESPN to rehire Sharpe. However, Stephen A. Smith's influence could potentially sway the decision.
- The unjust claims against Shannon Sharpe might affect his return to ESPN, given that he faces two lawsuits alleging sexual assault and sexual battery.
- Despite being valued by ESPN for his impact on linear television viewership, Sharpe's potential return is tempered by the controversies surrounding his personal life.
- Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's biggest star and the executive producer of "First Take," expressed optimism about Sharpe's return, but leaked audio of threatening language and an ugly exchange of text messages could impact Sharpe's chances.
- In the entertainment and sports industries, celebrities like Sharpe must navigate controversies carefully, as past incidents of misconduct may lead to reluctance to hire.
- Disregarding the potential controversies, ESPN has alternatives to Sharpe, such as the informed and engaging Peter Schrager, who could fill the void left by Sharpe if he is not rehired.
