Photo Credit: Getty Images
NFL legend and ESPN's "First Take" co-host Shannon Sharpe has announced a temporary break from his media duties following a lawsuit that has rocked the sports world. An anonymous woman, going by "Jane Doe," filed a civil suit alleging serious charges against Sharpe, including assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery — accusations that Sharpe has flat-out denied.
The Hall of Famer, known for his sharp takes and sharper suits, issued a statement saying, "I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me." He plans to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason — assuming things go his way legally.ESPN supported Sharpe's decision, saying in their own statement, "This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away."
The lawsuit, filed in Las Vegas, alleges the former tight end engaged in a two-year manipulative and abusive relationship with the plaintiff, who was 20 at the start. Jane Doe claims Sharpe sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including instances in 2024 and 2025, allegedly ignoring her screams for him to stop.
Sharpe's legal team isn't holding back either, calling the case a "shakedown" for millions and asserting that the relationship was consensual. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said the claims are "categorically false" and insists Sharpe looks forward to being vindicated. The suit seeks a whopping $50 million in damages.
Sharpe, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, enjoyed a storied NFL career with the Broncos and Ravens, collecting Super Bowl rings. But now, his biggest battle might be fought in a courtroom instead of a football field.
With fans divided, ESPN cautious, and lawyers sharpening their legal cleats, this saga is just getting started. And while Sharpe may be off-air for now, his story is very much still on the front page.
