Total Pro Sports
Shannon Sharpe has been having a rough ride lately. And now, it’s not just bumpy; it’s chaotic.
The 56-year-old, Hall of Fame tight end and media personality isn’t just battling headlines. He’s staring down multiple serious accusations, a $50 million lawsuit, and an uncertain future in front of the camera.
Once riding high as the breakout star of ESPN’s First Take and host of two chart-topping podcasts, Sharpe finds himself buried in legal trouble that won’t go away.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Sharpe still hasn’t responded to a sexual assault lawsuit filed more than two months ago in Nevada.
The lawsuit, filed on April 20 by attorney Tony Buzbee, best known for representing clients in high-profile cases against Deshaun Watson and Sean “Diddy” Combs, accuses Sharpe of multiple instances of assault.
“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe posted on X on April 24. He also announced a temporary break from ESPN “to respond and deal with these false and disruptive allegations.” A hearing on the case is set for July 9, 2025, in Clark County, Nevada.
But that’s not all. Front Office Sports reported that before Sharpe landed at ESPN, he was accused of choking a female production assistant during his time at FS1’s “Undisputed.” Sources told the outlet that Sharpe and Fox quietly settled with the woman for hundreds of thousands of dollars. No lawsuit was filed.
Shannon Sharpe was accused of choking a female production assistant at FS1, per @FOS
“Before Sharpe’s time at ESPN, when he was the co-host of FS1’s Undisputed, he was accused of choking a female production assistant in the workplace, two sources with knowledge of the incident… pic.twitter.com/dh2HDILaRU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 24, 2025
And way back in 2010, Sharpe took a brief leave from CBS after another woman accused him of sexual assault. He returned only after the court dismissed a restraining order.
After the latest Nevada lawsuit surfaced, Sharpe disappeared from ESPN’s “First Take.” He announced on April 25 that he’d step aside until the NFL preseason. Since then, ESPN hasn’t said a word about his future.
Shannon Sharpe’s smooth rise from NFL star to media force is now on shaky ground. His podcasts remain popular, but his TV future looks uncertain. With a court date set for July 2025 and a possible counter-suit pending, Sharpe faces a legal battle that could be tougher than anything he faced on the field.
Also Read: Shannon Sharpe Is Officially Done At ESPN, According To Former Host
