Shannon Sharpe has broken his silence after ESPN revealed that he would not be returning as host of First Take and has been fired from the network.
The news came two weeks after he settled a rape lawsuit with a former girlfriend and OnlyFans model.
“Obviously, I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN. I found out this information a little earlier in the week, and really, the only thing that I ask is like, guys, wait until Monday. My brother’s going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really want it to be about him and I want it to be about my family,” said Sharpe on Night Cap.
. @ShannonSharpe responds to today’s events@ShannonSharpe @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/H2cMBrpiDg
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) July 31, 2025
He shared that he apologized to his brother for the news overshadowing his brother’s achievement, and also that he appreciated his time at ESPN, but that he understands that they “did what they had to do.”
Jane Doe was seeking $50 million for “pain and suffering, psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation.” The settlement amount was disclosed, but Sharpe’s own attorney revealed months back that Doe’s legal team had already turned down an offer of $10 million.
