Former NFL player and current ESPN sports host, Shannon Sharpe, has announced that he will be taking a temporary leave from his position amidst serious allegations detailed in a newly filed lawsuit. The lawsuit, which claims sexual assault and battery, has prompted Sharpe to step back as he focuses on responding to the accusations.

Sharpe’s Response to Allegations

In a statement shared on social media, Sharpe asserted, “My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual.” He emphasized his intention to take time away from ESPN duties to devote himself to family and to confront what he describes as false allegations against him. Sharpe has expressed a desire to return in time for the NFL preseason, thanking his support network of family, friends, and colleagues.

ESPN’s Position

In light of the situation, ESPN released a statement agreeing with Sharpe’s decision to step away temporarily. Sharpe had joined ESPN’s morning show, First Take, in August 2023 and was reportedly on the brink of further opportunities at the network following a contract extension.

Details of the Lawsuit

A civil complaint recently lodged in Nevada alleges that Sharpe engaged in a volatile consensual relationship with a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, which began in 2023 when she was 19 years old. The lawsuit claims that Sharpe assaulted Doe multiple times, including instances of alleged rape, while disregarding her repeated requests to cease the actions.

The complaint contends that Sharpe recorded and shared intimate encounters without Doe’s consent. It draws attention to a specific incident filmed live on Instagram, clarifying that the woman in the broadcast was not Doe.

Another serious allegation within the complaint details a January 2025 incident where Doe asserts that Sharpe ignored her requests for safer sexual practices and allegedly raped her, despite her clear refusals and protests.

Legal Representation’s Statement

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, characterized the lawsuit as a “blatant and cynical attempt” to extort money from Sharpe. Davis firmly rejected the allegations, particularly those involving coercion and rape, calling them “gross lies.” He communicated Sharpe’s commitment to fighting these claims vigorously in court, aiming for vindication based on the truth and legal standards.

Recent Developments

Following the filing of the lawsuit, both parties have seen leaks of personal communications, including text messages and audio recordings shared with media outlets. Meanwhile, just prior to the allegations, reports suggested that Sharpe was nearing a significant $100 million podcast deal, though the recent lawsuit may affect the status of those negotiations.