Shannon Sharpe Departs ESPN After Settling $50 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame tight end turned high-profile sports commentator, is no longer with ESPN following the settlement of a $50 million civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault with former OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga.

The development marks a stunning fall for Sharpe, who had become one of the network’s most visible personalities on First Take, ESPN’s flagship sports debate program.

The lawsuit, brought by 20-year-old content creator Gabrielle Zuniga, accused 56-year-old Shannon Sharpe of rape, coercion, and threats during a two-year relationship that began in 2023. Yes, he is 36 years her senior.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Nevada under the alias “Jane Doe,” painted a picture of a deeply imbalanced and abusive relationship and sought $50 million in damages.

Shannon Sharpe denied all allegations, insisting the relationship was consensual.

“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” he wrote in an April post on X, formerly Twitter. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, called the lawsuit “a cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions,” dismissing it as false and defamatory.

On July 18, both parties reached a confidential settlement following what attorney Tony Buzbee described as “protracted and respectful” negotiations. The case was dismissed with prejudice, barring future legal action on the same claims. No criminal charges have been filed against Sharpe.

Shortly after the settlement, ESPN quietly confirmed Sharpe’s departure, ending speculation that began when he took a leave of absence in April. Though the network did not issue a formal statement, sources confirmed to The Athletic that he would not be returning to the network.

Gabriella Zuniga is a model with a substantial social media following, including over 500,000 followers on Instagram (@gabriellazuniga), who had an active OnlyFans account. However, she has since announced her retirement from OnlyFans, just shortly after she settled her lawsuit.

She alleges that Sharpe subjected her to repeated assaults, including one incident in September 2024 that she claims was inadvertently streamed on Instagram Live. She also alleged non-consensual filming and manipulation.

Sharpe’s legal team responded with a sharp denial and accused Zuniga of fabricating the claims for financial gain. Attorney Lanny Davis said Zuniga made explicit requests in their private communications and characterized the legal action as extortion.

An audio clip allegedly featuring Shannon Sharpe making threatening remarks was released by Zuniga’s legal team as part of their filings.

The case drew national attention, in part due to the public profiles of both Sharpe and Zuniga, and has reignited broader discussions around consent, coercion, and power dynamics in intimate relationships, especially those involving major age gaps and public figures.

Shannon Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 following a high-profile exit from FOX Sports. He quickly became a key part of the First Take team alongside Stephen A. Smith. His departure from the network appears to be a direct consequence of the lawsuit, though neither ESPN nor Sharpe has issued a detailed public comment since the settlement.

While the civil case has been resolved, the damage to Sharpe’s broadcasting career and public reputation may endure. Whether he will seek a return to media or be given the opportunity remains uncertain.

The case arrives at a time when public discourse around sexual misconduct and accountability remains intense, particularly involving high-profile men in media and sports. Legal experts note that civil cases of this nature, while not criminal proceedings, can have significant consequences on careers and reputations, especially when settled under confidential terms.