Total Pro Sports
After having his name dragged through the mud for months, Shannon Sharpe is well and truly off the hook.
The $50 million sexual assault lawsuit against the former NFL star has been settled and is set to be dismissed with prejudice, which means the filing party cannot return to court with a pertinent complaint should there be a change of heart.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the plaintiff, Gabriella Zuniga, announced in a statement on Instagram this Friday that “after protracted and respectful negotiations,” Sharpe “reached a mutually agreed upon resolution” with his accuser.
The details of the settlement are unknown at the moment. But Buzbee has indicated that the parties reached a mutual resolution and agreed that their relationship was consensual but tumultuous.
“All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” the lawyer added.
Buzbee had previously failed to appear for Zuniga at the first hearing, a curious move on his part.
According to one source, “Judge Anna Albertson expressed her disappointment in court that no legal representation was present for the plaintiff.”
Zuniga filed the suit against Sharpe earlier this year, seeking $50 million with claims that he forced himself on her on multiple occasions. She admitted to having a consensual relationship with him, which began after they met at a gym, but said things turned sour after his leaked sex tape.
ESPN promptly put Sharpe on ice. He stepped away from his role on ‘First Take’ but vowed to be back for the NFL preseason. And it appears he really could be back in time for 2025 NFL coverage, given this recent development.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer had always maintained his innocence and said he was looking forward to fighting the matter in court.
His battle didn’t last long.
Also Read: Shannon Sharpe Issues Apology To Nicki Minaj After Disrespecting The Female Rapper
