Shannon Sharpe has reportedly parted methods with ESPN following the settlement of a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit filed earlier this 12 months.

According to experiences, the previous NFL star and tv persona is now not with the community after quietly reaching a confidential settlement in a $50 million lawsuit introduced by Gabriella Zuniga in April 2025. The lawsuit, filed in Nevada, alleged a number of incidents of sexual assault, rape, and emotional misery. Sharpe denied all allegations.

Though neither ESPN nor Sharpe has publicly confirmed the separation, sources say the cut up was finalized within the wake of the settlement, which was reached on July 18 and led to the dismissal of the case with prejudice—which means it can’t be refiled. ESPN reportedly opted to not deliver Sharpe again to First Take, the place he had been a marquee visitor debater alongside Stephen A. Smith since becoming a member of the present in August 2023.

Sharpe had stepped away from his ESPN duties shortly after the lawsuit turned public, along with his final look airing in late April. At the time, he said that he meant to return as soon as the authorized matter was resolved.

In the meantime, Sharpe has remained energetic within the media area by means of his independently operated podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, which have maintained robust followings on platforms like YouTube and social media.

The case provides to a sample of authorized scrutiny surrounding Sharpe’s media profession. Reports resurfaced earlier this 12 months of a 2021 incident throughout his time at FS1’s Undisputed, during which a former manufacturing assistant accused him of choking her throughout an altercation. That matter was reportedly settled out of court docket, and Sharpe has additionally denied any wrongdoing in that case.

Though ESPN has not issued a proper assertion, a number of sources confirmed the community’s resolution to not reinstate Sharpe after the lawsuit’s decision. As of now, no alternative for his function on First Take has been introduced.