Shannon Sharpe was in a jovial mood on Sunday’s episode of his Nightcap podcast, so much so that he joked about his recent sexual assault settlement. When discussing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ approach to contract negotiations with players, Sharpe revealed that his co-host Chad Ochocinco owed him money.
“You owe me 5,900,” Sharpe said. “You basically told me, ‘I’mma pay you when I get ready.'”
Sharpe reminded Ochocinco that it’s been almost a year now. The 57-year-old hilariously warned his co-host that there is a penalty for late repayment. Ochocinco stated he would repay the amount, and that brought out quite a wild comment from Sharpe.
“You got it, but I need to get it,” Sharpe stated. “You know, pocket’s light right now, Ocho.”
Sharpe’s financials have indeed taken a hit lately. First, he settled a $50 million civil lawsuit filed against him in April by an OnlyFans model, in which she accused him of sexual assault and battery. The two had allegedly been in a “rocky consensual relationship” for nearly two years that turned “controlling” and “abusive.”
Her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, announced on July 18 that the case had been settled, but didn’t reveal any further details. It’s been rumored that Sharpe paid $23 million, but the figure hasn’t been confirmed.
Sharpe had rejected all the allegations and had claimed that Buzbee had orchestrated this entire situation. He then later announced he was stepping aside temporarily from his ESPN duties. Well, that eventually turned into a permanent departure, as ESPN cut ties with Sharpe less than two weeks after he settled that lawsuit.
Settling a lawsuit and losing your job at ESPN would leave anyone a bit light on cash. To make matters worse for Sharpe, Front Office Sports had reported before this lawsuit was filed that he was expected to sign a podcast deal worth over $100 million. It’s unlikely those offers are still on the table.
As if all this wasn’t bad enough, Sharpe is now also facing a $20 million defamation lawsuit.
Shannon Sharpe’s Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sharpe has an estimated net worth of $30 million. Few who knew him when he was young would have imagined he’d hit those heights as he grew up in poverty in Georgia.
Sharpe would make a name for himself at Savannah State University, but still slid to the seventh round in the 1990 NFL Draft. The Denver Broncos selected him with the 192nd pick, and he would eventually become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
Sharpe’s exceptional play on the field led to him making $22.3 million in salaries during his time in the NFL. Following his retirement, he worked for networks such as CBS, Fox Sports, and, most recently, ESPN. Sharpe has also enjoyed success as a podcaster with Nightcap and Club Shay Shay. His future in media remains uncertain now, though.
