Shannon Sharpe speaks out after ESPN exit [VIDEO]

Sharpe addresses timing of ESPN split after lawsuit settlement

Shannon Sharpe, former NFL Hall of Famer and recently departed co-host of ESPN’s “First
Take,” has officially broken his silence following a high-profile $50 million lawsuit and his sudden
exit from the network. In a heartfelt and somber video posted to his “Nightcap” podcast, co-
hosted with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Sharpe shared his thoughts on the fallout—not just the
legal drama, but the personal pain of overshadowing a major moment in his family’s life.
“Obviously, I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN,”
Sharpe said, seated in a dimly lit studio, his voice heavy with regret.

What viewers didn’t know until now is that Sharpe had asked ESPN to hold off on the announcement until after his brother Sterling Sharpe’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. His request was denied.
“This coming out will overshadow everything he’s worked his entire life for… and
unfortunately it didn’t happen that way,” Sharpe stated.

This is Sharpe’s first public statement since a lawsuit filed in April 2025 by OnlyFans model
Gabriella Zuniga accused him of sexual assault, rape, and physical abuse. The case was
settled in mid-July, with no admission of guilt and no criminal charges filed. Though the details
of the settlement remain sealed, reports suggest a payout was likely.

The Allegations and Settlement

Filed in Nevada, the lawsuit alleged a tumultuous two-year relationship between Sharpe and
Zuniga, then 19 to 20 years old. The suit claimed multiple instances of rape, coercion, and
threats. Leaked audio from the relationship, published by online outlets, appeared to show
Sharpe making aggressive and threatening statements. His legal team responded by arguing
the clips were taken out of context.

Zuniga’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee—notably known for representing plaintiffs in high-profile cases
including those involving Jay-Z and Deshaun Watson—confirmed that the relationship was
“consensual but chaotic.” Zuniga reportedly retired from OnlyFans shortly after the settlement.
While neither side confirmed any payout, industry rumors speculated it could have been as high
as $23 million.

Sharpe’s own camp emphasized that settling was not an admission of guilt but a strategic
decision to end a costly and reputationally damaging legal battle. Sharpe has consistently called
the allegations “false and defamatory.”

Fallout at ESPN

Sharpe had been absent from ESPN’s “First Take” since April 24, 2025, the day the lawsuit was
filed. At the time, the network said he was stepping away to “focus on family and personal matters.”

His cohost Stephen A. Smith voiced public support for Sharpe, saying he didn’t
believe the allegations. Still, as weeks turned into months, ESPN grew silent.
When ESPN finally confirmed on July 30 that Sharpe would not be returning, it was the first
official update since April.

According to industry sources, the decision was mutual but driven by ESPN’s risk-averse stance amidst rising scrutiny on misconduct in sports media. “They did what they felt they needed to do, and I’m at peace with that,” Sharpe said in his video. “But I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday. I hate that I
upstaged my brother.” Sharpe reportedly earned between $3 million to $5 million annually at ESPN. His presence alongside Stephen A. Smith had helped drive a significant ratings surge on “First Take” in
recent years.

Financial Stakes and Career Moves

The timing of the lawsuit couldn’t have been worse for Sharpe, who was reportedly in talks for a
$100 million podcast and media expansion deal before the legal issues surfaced. That deal has
since stalled, according to multiple sources.

Still, Sharpe’s media empire remains intact. His “Club Shay Shay” podcast and “Nightcap” show
maintain strong followings. Industry insiders believe he will pivot fully into independent media,
where his loyal audience and unfiltered voice can thrive without the constraints of corporate PR
oversight. Sharpe acknowledged his supporters: “I thank all my fans for supporting me, when I was at
ESPN and every place that I’ve been—be it Club Shay Shay, Nightcap, Undisputed. Thank
you.”

Public Reaction: A Nation Divided

Social media reactions to Sharpe’s legal drama and ESPN exit were sharply divided. Viral posts
on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from sympathy to outright mockery. Some questioned why a man
in his late 50s was involved with a 19-year-old sex worker. Others framed the situation as a
modern example of media and legal systems being used to destroy reputations without due
process.
“When chasing snow bunnies goes wrong,” one user wrote, referencing the
interracial element of the relationship.
“This sets a horrible precedent. Women are now encouraged to weaponize the
court system,” another commented.
Yet others pointed out the power imbalance and argued that even if consensual, the relationship
dynamic was troubling. “Pathetic stuff,” one tweet with over 18,000 likes read.

ESPN’s Calculus

The network’s decision to sever ties with Sharpe—even after a settlement and no
charges—underscores how modern media companies prioritize brand protection over past
performance. Despite Sharpe’s impact on ratings and his status as a household name, the
potential reputational risk outweighed his value.

This is not isolated. It follows a growing trend where companies cut ties with personalities
involved in controversies, even if legal outcomes are inconclusive. ESPN’s decision likely
hinged on maintaining advertiser confidence and avoiding future PR fallout.

Timing and Personal Toll

More than just a career change, Sharpe’s most emotional moment in the video came when he
apologized for upstaging his brother Sterling Sharpe’s Hall of Fame moment:
“I know you told me I don’t have to apologize, but I’m gonna do it one final time tonight and I won’t apologize again… You’ve been my hero, you’ve been my role model from as long as I can remember.”

His voice trembled at times, a rare moment of visible vulnerability from one of sports media’s
toughest voices. Sharpe has never shied away from controversy, but this moment wasn’t about
soundbites or clapbacks. It was about regret.

What Happens Next?

Sharpe has not outlined specific next steps, but all signs point to further investment in his
independent platforms. “Club Shay Shay” remains a cultural force in the podcast world, and “Nightcap” has gained steam. Fans speculate a potential pairing with Joy Taylor, another prominent media personality, on a
new project. One viral tweet suggested: “If him and Joy Taylor team up, they will blow this out of
the water. Make it unfiltered like an HBO First Take.” Meanwhile, ESPN has made no comment beyond its brief statement on the matter.

Conclusion

Shannon Sharpe’s story is still being written. What began as a troubling legal case has evolved
into a defining career crossroads. His departure from ESPN and emotional public statement
mark a new chapter—one that will likely see him lean deeper into independent media and his
loyal fanbase.

While the $50 million lawsuit and the fallout tarnished his image for some, others view his
handling of the situation—especially his latest statement—as evidence of accountability,
resilience,