Ex-NFL star and media commentator Shannon Sharpe has been terminated by ESPN less than two weeks following the resolution of a $50 million r@pe lawsuit brought by his former girlfriend, according to The Athletic.
Sharpe has been absent from ESPN since April, when he took a break from the network with plans to return for their football season broadcasts.
The civil lawsuit, lodged in Clark County, Nevada, sought damages for allegations of ass@ult, s£xual ass@ult, battery, s£xual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming multiple nonconsensual sexual encounters involving Sharpe at the accuser’s Las Vegas apartment.
Sharpe promptly denied the accusations in public after his ex-girlfriend initiated the lawsuit, labeling it a “shakedown.” He maintained that their relationship, spanning 2024 to 2025, was consensual.
Last autumn, Sharpe was embroiled in another sexual controversy, admitting he unintentionally broadcast audio on Instagram of himself engaging in s£x.
Sharpe played 14 seasons in the NFL, spending 12 with Denver. He secured two Super Bowl titles with the Broncos, catching passes from John Elway, and is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Since retiring after the 2003 season, Sharpe has stayed in the spotlight as one of television’s most vocal broadcasters.
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