Total Pro Sports
Shannon Sharpe has announced a curious career decision following the $50 million lawsuit lodged against him alleging multiple incidents of rape.
The former NFL tight end rose to become one of the most popular voices in sports analysis, having landed on his feet at ESPN after being ousted from FS1, and was also a prominent podcast host.
Sharpe, whose media brand includes ‘Club Shay Shay’ and ‘Nightcap,’ was recently accused of sexual assault by a former lover, who’s looking to rid him of the aforementioned sum, rejecting an offer of $10 million to pursue a bag five times larger.
The 56-year-old planned to embark on a ‘Nightcap’ summer tour with co-host Chad Johnson, but has postponed it for another year.
“We’ve decided to postpone the Nightcap tour,” he said during a recent ‘Nightcap’ episode (H/T Awful Announcing). “We look forward to seeing you guys in the summer of 2026. It’s going to be even bigger, even better.
Sharpe explained that it would be best to delay the tour, which makes sense, given the ongoing case.
“Ocho and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best thing as of right now, was to postpone the tour,” he added. “We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2026.”
The Pro Football Hall of Famer will rue the timing of the lawsuit, as he was reportedly set for a new $100 million media deal that could now be in jeopardy.
Sharpe previously stepped down from his role on ESPN’s ‘First Take.’ He announced his decision the week after the lawsuit was filed, though he denied any wrongdoing and vowed to return later this year.
“I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason,” he said in a statement.
Whether he actually gets back on ESPN television remains to be seen.
