Rumors of Shannon Sharpe being fired from ESPN began after a former partner filed a $50 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse. Sharpe, an NFL Hall of Famer and current ESPN analyst, has denied all allegations through his attorney. He continues to appear on First Take as scheduled. Public attention remains focused on the claims and his response as the case unfolds.
Here’s what we know so far about the lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe.
Was Shannon Sharpe fired by ESPN?
Shannon Sharpe has not been fired by ESPN.
Despite facing a $50 million civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, he remains on air and continues his regular appearances on ESPN’s First Take. According to a report by Andrew Marchand of TheAthletic.com, Sharpe is scheduled to appear on the show as usual.
The lawsuit was filed on Sunday, in Clark County, Nevada, by a woman identified as Jane Doe. The complaint alleges that Sharpe raped and threatened her during what is described as a “rocky consensual relationship.” (via Fortune)
Court documents claim Sharpe raped the woman in October 2024 and again in January. They also accuse him of using “physical force” and causing “emotional distress.” The woman alleges that Sharpe was “controlling and violent,” once threatened to kill her, and entered her apartment without permission.
The lawsuit further states, “Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity,” and claims he recorded their sexual encounters without consent. Her attorney is Tony Buzbee, known for representing clients in high-profile assault cases.
In response, Sharpe posted a statement from his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, on X, formerly Twitter. “It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed,” the statement read. Davis further added, “Mr Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct – especially the gross lie of ‘rape’ – and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail.”
Later, Sharpe posted a video of himself, clarifying his side of the story. He shared that his former girlfriend, Gabriella Zuniga, filed the case against him, and he denied all the accusations.
Shannon Sharpe, 56, spent 14 seasons in the NFL, won three Super Bowls, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He joined ESPN after he left FS1 in 2023.
