Sports network ESPN parts ways with football analyst Shannon Sharpe following a break and resolution of a sexual assault lawsuit allegation
In a series of surprising developments, Shannon Sharpe's media career has taken an unexpected turn. After a successful stint with CBS' The NFL Today as an analyst, Sharpe moved to ESPN's First Take, where he co-hosted with Stephen A. Smith. However, his tenure at ESPN came to an end in late July 2025, following his dismissal from the popular sports debate show.
The catalyst for this turn of events was a lawsuit filed against Sharpe in Nevada state court on April 20, 2023. The plaintiff, his ex-girlfriend, was seeking damages of $50 million from Sharpe, alleging rape. Sharpe denied the allegations, but the lawsuit and subsequent settlement on July 18, 2023, for an undisclosed amount, have likely impacted his media career prospects.
Despite these challenges, Sharpe continued to host his popular podcasts, "Club Shay Shay" and "Nightcap" (co-hosted with Chad Ochocinco), through his Shay Shay Media imprint with The Volume. However, reports indicate that The Volume's contract with Sharpe is set to expire at the end of August 2025, and given recent developments, it is unlikely that this contract will be renewed.
Before the lawsuit, Sharpe was reportedly in line for a lucrative podcast deal, said to be worth as much as $100 million by several outlets. However, the legal issues have apparently hindered the materialization of this deal. The reported deal was made with Sharpe's former FS1 co-worker, Colin Cowherd, and it remains unclear what the future holds for Sharpe's podcasting career.
ESPN declined to comment on the dismissal of Sharpe, but it is clear that his media career has taken a significant hit. As his podcast deal with The Volume nears its end, the future of Sharpe's media career remains uncertain.
[1] ESPN Fires Shannon Sharpe After Rape Lawsuit Settlement [2] Shannon Sharpe's Podcast Deal with The Volume Ending Amid Legal Issues [3] Shannon Sharpe Settles $50 Million Rape Lawsuit with Ex-Girlfriend
- In light of the settlement of his rape lawsuit, Shannon Sharpe's media career has faced a general-news crisis, with ESPN ending his contract and the future of his podcasting career with The Volume becoming uncertain.
- As Shannon Sharpe's legal troubles continue, his media career prospects have taken an analysis hit, especially in the crime-and-justice and sports sectors, with the possibility of him no longer hosting popular podcasts and the potential termination of future deals.
