Shannon Sharpe has announced he’s taking a temporary break from his role at ESPN, just days after being accused in a lawsuit of sexual assault.
The Hall of Fame tight end shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account Thursday afternoon, explaining that he’s stepping away from “First Take” to address what he described as “false and disruptive allegations.”
Sharpe emphasized that he plans to return to the show later this summer, likely around the beginning of the NFL preseason. He also expressed gratitude to his supporters during what he called a difficult time.
READ MORE: Whoa…Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Has A Lot To Answer For With These New Texts
The lawsuit, filed by a Jane Doe on Sunday, accuses Sharpe of raping her in October 2024 and again in January 2025. The woman claims the alleged incidents occurred during their nearly two-year relationship. Sharpe strongly denied any misconduct, stating the relationship was “100% consensual.”
READ MORE: Shannon Sharpe Vows To Sue Rape Accuser For Defamation
Sharpe joined “First Take” in 2023 after being recruited by Stephen A. Smith and signed an extension to remain on the show in early 2024. Despite the lawsuit, he had continued to appear on the show earlier this week.
Following his announcement, an ESPN spokesperson told TMZ Sports, “This is a serious situation, and we support Shannon’s decision to step away.”
Step into the ultimate entertainment experience with Radiant TV! Movies, TV series, exclusive interviews, live events, music, and more—stream anytime, anywhere. Download now on various devices including iPhone, Android, smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and more!
