Did ESPN Fire Shannon Sharpe? What We Know About the Lawsuit, His Accuser and His Net Worth

Shannon Sharpe, former NFL star and one of the most recognisable faces of ESPN's First Take, is no longer with the network, a source confirmed to CNN. The development follows less than two weeks after Sharpe reached a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit brought by a woman alleging multiple incidents of assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery.

According to The Athletic, the split is unrelated to Sharpe's role as a pundit and instead stems from off-air controversies. His legal team has yet to comment, and ESPN has declined to issue a statement following the settlement on 18 July.

Sexual Assault Allegations and Lawsuit Details

Sharpe's accuser, referred to in the civil case as 'Jane Doe', filed suit in a Las Vegas district court in April. She accused the 56-year-old commentator of a pattern of manipulation, violence, and sexual misconduct during what was initially described as a consensual relationship that began in 2023. The woman, then 20 years old, alleges that Sharpe raped her on two separate occasions in Las Vegas.

The complaint states: 'After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of "no".'

Sharpe's lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, dismissed the accusations, calling the lawsuit a 'shakedown' and describing the relationship as consensual and often initiated by the plaintiff. Sharpe himself echoed this sentiment in a video shared on X in April: 'This is a shakedown. I'm going to be open, transparent and defend myself, because this isn't right.'

Settlement and Media Fallout

The lawsuit originally sought over $50 million in damages. While the exact terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the plaintiff's attorney, Tony Buzbee, said both parties acknowledged a 'long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship' and that all matters had been resolved. 'The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,' Buzbee said.

Sharpe's spokesperson confirmed the settlement and added that the three-time Super Bowl champion would not be making further statements. Although ESPN had previously signed Sharpe to a multi-year deal in 2024, his future with the company became uncertain after the allegations surfaced. At the time, Sharpe announced he would step away temporarily, stating: 'I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.'

ESPN responded by calling the situation 'serious' and supported Sharpe's decision to take leave. The network has not confirmed whether Sharpe was terminated or chose to resign.

Net Worth and Career Highlights

Sharpe has an estimated net worth of £11.2 million ($14 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth. Over his 14-year NFL career, he reportedly earned around £17.8 million ($22.3 million) in salary. He signed multi-million-pound contracts with both the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, winning three Super Bowl titles before retiring in 2003. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Post-NFL, Sharpe transitioned to broadcasting, co-hosting Undisputed with Skip Bayless and later joining First Take. He also founded the popular Club Shay Shay podcast, amassing a substantial online following.

Personal Life and Past Allegations

Sharpe has never married but has three children—son Kiari and daughters Kayla and Kaley—with different partners. He was previously engaged to fitness instructor Katy Kellner and has been linked to other public figures including Nicole Murphy, who denied a romantic relationship. His daughter Kayla works in HR, son Kiari is a financial analyst, and youngest daughter Kaley is a medical examiner.

In addition to the current lawsuit, Sharpe has faced prior accusations. In 2010, Michele Bundy accused him of sexual assault, but she later withdrew her restraining order. In 2004, Erika Evans filed a battery complaint, which was resolved through mediation.

Despite these controversies, Sharpe's voice remains influential in the world of sports. But with legal matters still looming and public scrutiny mounting, it remains to be seen whether his media career can fully recover.