Shannon Sharpe is officially out at ESPN following the quiet conclusion of a legal battle that shadowed his recent broadcasting career. The former NFL Hall of Famer and popular First Take analyst has not appeared on air since April 2025, when he stepped away amid a $50 million civil lawsuit filed against him in Nevada. The suit, which included accusations of sexual assault and battery, was dismissed in July after a private settlement was reached. Sharpe has consistently denied all allegations.
Though no formal statement was released by ESPN, multiple reports confirm the network has severed ties with Sharpe. His name and image have been removed from First Take promotional materials, and insiders say his return was ruled out shortly after the lawsuit was closed. His departure ends a two-year stint at the network, where he became a regular voice alongside Stephen A. Smith.
Sharpe also addressed the situation during a recent episode of his Nightcap podcast, expressing frustration over how news of his departure became public just days before his brother, Sterling Sharpe, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Shannon apologized to his brother and said the timing unfairly shifted attention away from a moment that should have been entirely celebratory.
Outside of television, Sharpe remains active in digital media. His podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho continue to draw large audiences, although his current distribution contract expires this August. It remains unclear whether he will renew or pursue new media ventures.
Sharpe’s fall from ESPN marks a significant shift in the sports media landscape. Once one of the most recognized voices in debate-style programming, his exit leaves open speculation about future replacements and the broader impact on First Take’s format.
As the legal matter concludes and public attention shifts, Sharpe’s next move—whether in independent media or another network—will likely shape how his legacy evolves post-ESPN.