Los Angeles, California – Former football great Shannon Sharpe announced on Thursday that he will temporarily step back from his duties at ESPN amidst facing a $50 million lawsuit alleging rape. The 56-year-old ex-Denver Broncos tight end expressed the need for time away from the studios to address what he referred to as “false and disruptive” accusations.
In a statement released, Sharpe stated his decision to take a break from his ESPN responsibilities in order to focus on his family and address the allegations leveled against him. The first NFL exhibition game is scheduled for July 31, with the regular season anticipated to commence on Thursday, September 4. Sharpe aims to make a return to ESPN at the beginning of the NFL preseason.
An ESPN representative supported Sharpe’s choice to step away from the network, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. The lawsuit, filed by a woman in Nevada on Sunday, alleges that Sharpe raped her twice in Las Vegas in October, and once more in January of this year. The plaintiff claims to have been 19 years old when she first encountered Sharpe in a Los Angeles gym back in 2023, leading to a tumultuous consensual relationship lasting nearly two years, during which she asserts he was often aggressive towards her.
Sharpe has vehemently denied all allegations made against him. At the time of reporting, a representative for the plaintiff was unavailable for comment. Following his retirement from professional football, Sharpe transitioned to become a prominent football analyst for networks such as CBS, Fox Sports, and ESPN. More recently, he has gained popularity through his podcast, “Club Shay Shay.”
For individuals seeking support related to sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline – operated by the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) – offers assistance at 1-800-656-4673. Additional support can be accessed through RAINN’s online chat service.