ESPN has decided to part ways with longtime analyst Shannon Sharpe, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand was first to break that news on Wednesday afternoon. ESPN’s decision comes at the end of a serious legal situation involving Sharpe. Back in April, a woman identified as “Jane Doe” filed a lawsuit against Sharpe alleging sexual assault and battery, among other crimes. The lawsuit, which was filed in Nevada, sought $50 million from Sharpe.
That lawsuit has since been settled, but Sharpe has not appeared on ESPN airwaves since it was filed back in the spring.
ESPN is Sharpe’s second major stop since beginning his media career. He first rose to prominence in sports media as Skip Bayless’ partner on FS1, but left Fox Sports for ESPN back in 2023.
Sharpe’s podcast, Club Shay Shay, has continued to produce new episodes. Club Shay Shay released a new episode with Sharpe’s brother, Sterling Sharpe, on Tuesday. Club Shay Shay is produced by The Volume, a sports media company founded by Colin Cowherd.
Sharpe has not issued a public comment on his departure from ESPN. The World Wide Leader has also declined to make an official comment on Sharpe’s departure as of publication.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
