Shannon Sharpe Stepping Away From ESPN to Deal With Gabriella Zuniga’s Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events, NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe announced he is temporarily stepping away from his ESPN duties. The news came via a statement Sharpe shared on X at 18:47 UTC on April 24, 2025, where he addressed a swirling controversy that has rocked his media career. The statement, which appears to be a screenshot of a message likely drafted by his PR team, reads:

“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual. At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason. I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues. Shannon Sharpe.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a $50 million lawsuit filed against Sharpe in Nevada state court on April 22, 2025, accusing him of sexual assault and battery. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that over the course of a nearly two-year “rocky consensual relationship,” Sharpe became increasingly abusive, recording their sexual encounters without her consent and sharing those recordings. According to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE, the lawsuit claims Sharpe “fails to understand” the concept of consent, stating, “A woman can say ‘yes’ to consensual sexual relations with a man ninety-nine times, but when she says ‘no’ even once, that ‘no’ means no.” The plaintiff, who met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 22, is seeking substantial damages for the alleged harm.

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, has strongly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “shake down attempt” in a statement to PEOPLE. Davis described the relationship as involving consensual role-playing and fantasy scenarios, asserting that the claims are baseless. He emphasized that Sharpe is prepared to fight the allegations vigorously in court.

A Storied Career Under Scrutiny

Shannon Sharpe’s journey from NFL stardom to media prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. A former tight end, Sharpe retired as the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (815), yards receiving (10,060), and touchdowns (62). After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned into sports media, becoming a household name through his fiery debates and charismatic presence.

Sharpe’s media career took off when he joined Fox Sports’ Undisputed alongside Skip Bayless in 2016. The duo’s chemistry made the show a hit, but tensions eventually led to Sharpe’s departure in June 2023. Stephen A. Smith later revealed on Sharpe’s podcast Club Shay Shay that Sharpe was essentially pushed out of Undisputed, a decision Fox Sports came to regret. According to a Reddit thread on r/UndisputedFS1, the show’s viewership plummeted by 66% after Sharpe’s exit, while his arrival at ESPN’s First Take reportedly boosted ratings by 50%.

Sharpe joined First Take in 2023, initially on short-term deals, before signing a multi-year contract extension with ESPN in June 2024. His expanded role on the show, alongside Stephen A. Smith, solidified his status as a media powerhouse. In September 2024, Sharpe even hosted The Roast of Shannon Sharpe on his Nightcap podcast, featuring high-profile guests like Snoop Dogg and Cam Newton, showcasing his continued influence in the entertainment space.

The Timing and Implications

The timing of Sharpe’s temporary exit from ESPN is notable. In his statement, he mentions plans to return at the start of the NFL preseason, which typically begins in August. This suggests a hiatus of roughly four months, assuming the legal proceedings don’t extend further. However, the severity of the allegations raises questions about Sharpe’s long-term future at ESPN. The network has not yet released an official statement on Sharpe’s status, leaving fans and colleagues in limbo.

What’s Next for Shannon Sharpe?

As Sharpe steps away to focus on his family and legal defense, the sports media world is left wondering what this means for his legacy. Will he return to ESPN as planned, or could this scandal permanently alter his career trajectory? Sharpe’s contributions to sports media are undeniable—his sharp analysis, unfiltered personality, and deep football knowledge have made him a fan favorite. But the allegations, if proven true, could cast a long shadow over his accomplishments.

For now, Sharpe seems to have the support of his inner circle, as he noted the “overwhelming and ongoing support” from his family, friends, fans, and colleagues. How ESPN navigates this situation will also be telling. The network has invested heavily in Sharpe, and his departure—however temporary—leaves a void in their programming, especially on First Take.

As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: Shannon Sharpe’s next chapter will be one of the most closely watched in sports media. Whether he emerges unscathed or faces lasting consequences, the NFL legend’s resilience will be put to the test like never before.

Flip the pages for photos of Gabriella Zuniga.

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