Shannon Sharpe Regrets ESPN Exit Was Publicized Before Brother’s Hall of Fame Moment
Shannon Sharpe, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and former ESPN analyst, has confirmed he will not return to the network. In a new podcast, he shared that he asked for the news of his departure to be delayed until after his brother’s Hall of Fame induction.
Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe announced on his podcast Nightcap that ESPN will no longer employ him after he settled a lawsuit alleging sexual assault—which he has denied foxnews.com+15Business Insider+15sports.yahoo.com+15.
Sharpe said he learned of ESPN’s decision earlier in the week but requested the outlet wait until Monday to release it, hoping not to overshadow the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction of his brother Sterling, scheduled for August 2, 2025 foxsportsradio1340.iheart.com+3hindustantimes.com+3nypost.com+3. Sterling is being honored as part of the Class of 2025.
Sharpe expressed regret and publicly apologized to his brother, who reassured him that their bond transcends the controversy and that he loves him regardless sports.yahoo.com+4hindustantimes.com+4timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4instagram.com+14Talksport+14hindustantimes.com+14. Sharpe said he is “at peace” with ESPN’s decision and remains thankful for the network’s role in growing his audience during his time on First Take The Guardian+6ew.com+6nypost.com+6.
The lawsuit filed earlier in 2025 sought $50 million in damages from a former girlfriend and described years of emotional abuse and assault. Sharpe maintains the relationship was consensual, calling the allegations a “shakedown.” The matter was privately settled on July 18 and dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled tiktok.com+11ew.com+11The Guardian+11.
Although he originally planned to return for ESPN’s NFL preseason coverage, set to begin on August 7, the network quietly severed ties after settling the civil case aol.com+11vulture.com+11The Guardian+11.
Despite his departure, Sharpe continues to host Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Ocho, distributed via The Volume podcast network, though that deal is slated to expire in August. He had previously been in talks for a significant podcast deal—reportedly worth up to $100 million—but its status now remains uncertain vulture.com+8The Guardian+8en.wikipedia.org+8.
Closing
As Shannon Sharpe steps away from ESPN just weeks after resolving a highly publicized legal dispute, he turns his focus to family and podcasting. With his brother’s enshrinement spotlighted this weekend, Sharpe emphasized that he hopes the focus is on Sterling, not himself. While his broadcast future is now uncertain, Sharpe affirmed a resolve to move forward with peace and purpose.