Shannon Sharpe, one of the most recognizable voices in sports media, has announced that he will be “stepping aside temporarily” from his ESPN duties as he confronts a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit that has rocked the sports world.
The lawsuit, filed in Clark County, Nevada, alleges multiple instances of sexual misconduct by the NFL Hall of Famer, accusations Sharpe has vehemently denied, calling them false and defamatory.
In a public statement released Thursday, Sharpe addressed the allegations and confirmed his temporary departure from ESPN.
“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual.
“At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
“I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”
Sharpe, who joined ESPN’s First Take last year following his highly publicized exit from FS1’s Undisputed, has quickly become a fan favorite alongside Stephen A. Smith.
His quick wit, unfiltered commentary, and signature “Club Shay Shay” podcast made him one of the most influential figures in modern sports broadcasting. However, the legal battle now facing him could jeopardize that momentum.
According to the lawsuit, Sharpe is accused of forcing himself on a woman identified as “Jane Doe” on multiple occasions between 2023 and 2025.
Doe also alleges that Sharpe used his status and public persona to manipulate her emotionally, citing a December 2025 incident in which he allegedly visited her apartment under the pretense of delivering gifts, only to assault her.
Sharpe responded to the claims in a fiery social media video, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” orchestrated by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee, the same lawyer who previously represented multiple women in high-profile suits against NFL players.
Sharpe alleged that Buzbee and the accuser, whom he identified as an OnlyFans model named “Carly,” were deliberately attempting to extort him for financial gain.
Buzbee has since responded by claiming the accusations are credible and backed by text messages and a recording, allegedly featuring Sharpe threatening the plaintiff. Leaked conversations have surfaced online, sparking heated debate over whether they show evidence of a consensual relationship or support the accuser’s narrative.
Meanwhile, internal ESPN sources have reportedly suggested that Sharpe may not return to the network at all. While the official stance is that he remains on temporary leave, rumors are swirling that he could be banned indefinitely as ESPN seeks to distance itself from the growing scandal.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and Sharpe has vowed to fight until his name is cleared.
For now, the charismatic broadcaster has stepped away from the spotlight not by choice, but out of necessity. His fans, colleagues, and critics will all be watching closely to see how this case unfolds, and what it ultimately means for his career.
