Former NFL star and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe has announced a temporary departure from ESPN following a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed against him earlier this week. The lawsuit, which was submitted anonymously under the name “Jane Doe,” accuses Sharpe of engaging in a two-year relationship that allegedly turned abusive — an accusation he firmly denies.
In a public statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), Sharpe addressed the situation directly, stating, “The relationship in question was 100 percent consensual.” He went on to say that, in light of the allegations, he is voluntarily stepping away from his ESPN duties for now to focus on his family and legal response.
“At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties,” the post read. “I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”
Sharpe, who joined ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith just last year, has quickly become a fan favorite for his passionate and often humorous takes. Despite the current controversy, he has expressed gratitude for the support he’s received: “I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”
ESPN responded to the situation with a brief but serious statement, backing Sharpe’s decision. “This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” a network spokesperson told TMZ.
The lawsuit filed Sunday claims Sharpe’s behavior became controlling and abusive over time, eventually culminating in an alleged assault. The plaintiff, described as more than 30 years younger than Sharpe, alleges repeated threats of violence and ultimately rape, despite her protests. She is seeking more than $50 million in damages.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, pushed back strongly against the claims, describing them as “false” and “malicious.” In a statement shared with media outlets, Davis said, “Shannon Sharpe is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court. He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”
While the legal battle is only just beginning, Sharpe’s choice to take a step back marks a significant moment in both his personal and professional life. For now, he insists this is not goodbye — just a pause. Whether or not he returns to ESPN by the NFL preseason, as he hopes, will likely depend on how the case unfolds in the coming months.
