🧃 Shannon Sharpe Benched From ‘First Take’—Here’s Why
Shannon Sharpe won’t be on ESPN’s “First Take” next week—and it’s not due to scheduling conflicts.
The network is quietly pressing pause on Shannon’s regular Monday and Tuesday appearances as he faces a $50 million civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, abuse, and emotional manipulation.
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada by a 21-year-old woman identified as Jane Doe, details graphic and disturbing allegations.
Shannon insists the relationship was consensual, but with public pressure mounting and ESPN “looking into the matter very seriously,” the Hall of Famer decided to temporarily step back.
🗣️ Shannon Sharpe’s Full Statement
Shannon addressed the situation on social media and announced his decision to step away from his ESPN duties.
Here’s his full statement:
My statement is found here and this is the truth.
The relationship in question was 100% consensual.
At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
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.
I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.
— Shannon Sharpe
See the original post below.
Soon after his post, an ESPN spokesperson issued a brief statement: “This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away.”
⚖️ The Lawsuit, The Audio, And The Fallout
The lawsuit—filed by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee—claims Shannon raped the plaintiff in Las Vegas and emotionally manipulated her during their relationship.
Buzbee also alleged that Shannon offered the woman $10 million to stay quiet.
To complicate things further, Buzbee released a clip of a man—allegedly Shannon—making violent threats.
Shannon’s legal team has fired back, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and promising a defamation countersuit.
⏳ What Happens Next?
It’s unclear whether Shannon will return to “First Take” in the coming weeks, but he says he plans to come back for the start of NFL preseason.
In the meantime, he’s still active on his own platforms, including “Nightcap” and “Club Shay Shay.”
This story is far from over, so stay locked in—because more developments are definitely coming.
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