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Shannon Sharpe will not be returning to his role at ESPN following the resolution of a lawsuit involving allegations of assault and sexual misconduct, a network representative confirmed.
The former football star was accused of assault, sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress, with the accuser seeking significant damages.
The situation escalated with Sharpe denying the allegations and releasing explicit messages exchanged with the accuser.
Shannon Sharpe speaks onstage during the 2024 RenderATL Tech Conference at AmericasMart Atlanta June 14, 2024, in Atlanta. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The accuser’s attorney announced the resolution of the case without disclosing further details.
Sharpe, who joined ESPN after leaving FOX, has not appeared on the network since the allegations surfaced.
The accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, has represented high-profile cases in the past, including those involving Deshaun Watson and Jay-Z.
Hosts of ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, at the CFP Fan Central at the George World Congress Center. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Sharpe’s attorney defended him by stating that the nature of his relationship with the accuser was consensual, as indicated by the explicit messages exchanged.
The complaint against Sharpe included allegations of manipulation, control, and threats of violence.
The legal team acknowledged an offer of settlement made by Sharpe, which was declined by the accuser.
Shannon Sharpe during the second quarter between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles March 16, 2024. (Jason Parkhurst/USA Today Sports)
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Contributed by Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj.
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