Shannon Sharpe Vacates ESPN Duties Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Written by djfrosty on April 25, 2025
Shannon Sharpe will step down from his obligations at ESPN as he and his legal team are fighting a $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault. The unnamed woman, named in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, is currently being represented by Tony Buzbee in the matter.
Shannon Sharpe, 56, is accused of sexual assault and battery by Jane Doe, whose legal team has named in a public statement. Doe is reportedly an OnlyFans model who says she met Sharpe in 2023 at a Los Angeles gym when she was 19.
With more details coming forth, including a filmed video statement earlier this week from Sharpe, the controversy began to grow by the minute as Buzbee’s side released text messages that could support Doe’s claims of rape and assault.
Taking to social media, Shannon Sharpe delivered a written statement announcing his move to step away from ESPN as this matter moves ahead.
“At this juncture[,] I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties,” a portion of the statement reads. “I will be devoting this time to family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.”
Sharpe contends that the relationship between him and Doe was consensual and is asking for Doe’s team to release all the documents and evidence connected to the lawsuit.
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Photo: Getty