Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Famer and co-host of ESPN’s First Take, announced Thursday that he is temporarily stepping away from his role at the network following a $50 million civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique tried to warn him to "stop messing with those young gals!"
Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Famer and co-host of ESPN’s First Take, announced Thursday that he is temporarily stepping away from his role at the network following a $50 million civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique tried to warn him to “stop messing with those young gals!”
In a statement posted on his X account, Sharpe described the allegations as “false and disruptive,” asserting that the relationship in question was “100% consensual.” He stated he would use this time to focus on his family and prepare his legal defense, with plans to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
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The lawsuit, filed in Nevada by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee on behalf of a woman identified as Jane Doe, alleges that Sharpe sexually assaulted her multiple times between October 2024 and January 2025 during their two-year relationship. The suit includes claims of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, has denied the allegations, stating that the relationship was consensual and involved role-playing. Davis also revealed that Sharpe had offered a $10 million settlement during mediation, which the accuser declined.
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ESPN has acknowledged Sharpe’s decision, calling it a “serious situation” and expressing agreement with his choice to step away.
Sharpe joined First Take in 2023 after a seven-year stint on FS1’s Undisputed. In June 2024, he signed a multiyear contract extension with ESPN, expanding his role on the network.
In an episode of his podcast Club Shay Shay, comedian Mo’Nique cautioned Sharpe about the potential pitfalls of dating younger women. You can watch that interview here:
