Shannon Sharpe Steps Down from ESPN Amid $50 Million Lawsuit
Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe is stepping away from ESPN duties due to allegations in a civil lawsuit that he sexually assaulted a woman.
Sharpe has been a staple on TV and social media since retiring.
Shannon Sharpe is stepping away temporarily from ESPN amid sexual assault lawsuit
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Sharpe had regularly appeared on ESPN’s morning show First Take since joining the network in August 2023, and was reportedly on the verge of a larger role at the network following a contract extension last year.
Shannon Sharpe Takes Temporary Leave From ESPN Amid Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
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Sharpe has fashioned a successful media career on television and podcasts since he retired from the NFL, and had recently signed a contract extension with ESPN.
Shannon Sharpe takes break from ESPN amid sexual assault allegations
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Sharpe’s legal representatives previously told CNN the lawsuit was an attempt to “shake down” the popular podcaster for millions of dollars and said he “categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.”
Shannon Sharpe to step away from ESPN duties amid ongoing lawsuit
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Since the end of his playing days, Sharpe has had a long career in the studio as a football analyst for CBS, Fox Sports and ESPN.
Shannon Sharpe stepping aside from ESPN in wake of sexual assault lawsuit
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Sharpe's decision to step away comes on the heels of a civil lawsuit filed against him in Clark County, Nevada on Sunday.
Shannon Sharpe steps away from ESPN in wake of $50 million sexual assault and battery suit
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Summary
Shannon Sharpe announced a temporary leave from ESPN following a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and battery. The former NFL star denies the allegations, labeling them as false and disruptive. He intends to spend time with family while addressing the lawsuit, which seeks $50 million in damages. Sharpe asserts the relationship was consensual and is backed by an ESPN statement supporting his decision to step away. The lawsuit includes allegations of violent acts, coercion, and emotional distress over a nearly two-year relationship that began when the plaintiff was 19.
Perspectives
Shannon Sharpe announced he is temporarily stepping away from ESPN duties to address allegations in a $50 million lawsuit that he claims are false and disruptive.
In the lawsuit, an anonymous woman claims she had a nearly two-year relationship with Sharpe that involved incidents of sexual assault and emotional abuse during that time.
Sharpe's legal team has labeled the lawsuit as a shakedown attempt and maintains that the relationship was consensual, asserting that he intends to fight the allegations vigorously.