Introduction to the Situation
ESPN football analyst Shannon Sharpe will not be returning to the cable sports network, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News on Wednesday.
Sharpe, a Hall of Fame former player, settled a lawsuit earlier this month that accused him of sexual assault, according to the plaintiff’s attorney.
Background on the Lawsuit
He had stepped aside from ESPN in April after a woman filed the lawsuit in Nevada. The suit accused him of raping the woman twice in Las Vegas in October and once more in January. A representative and an attorney for Sharpe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Details of the Settlement
Tony Buzbee, the woman’s attorney, said in a July 18 statement that the civil suit was settled. “Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship," Buzbee said. "After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed."
Initial Response to the Allegations
In a statement after the suit was filed, an attorney for Sharpe said he and the woman had a relationship that was “consensual and sexual in nature.” The attorney, Lanny Davis, said in April that the suit was “filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations” and an “attempt at blackmail.”
Impact on Sharpe’s Career
After he stepped away, Sharpe, a former Denver Broncos tight end, vowed to be back on ESPN by the time the pro football season started again. The first exhibition game is set for Thursday when the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions play in the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. The regular season starts on Sept. 4 when the Dallas Cowboys pay a visit to the defending Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Conclusion
The settlement of the lawsuit and Sharpe’s subsequent departure from ESPN mark a significant turn in his career. Despite his initial vow to return, it appears that his time at the network has come to an end. This development will likely have implications for both Sharpe’s personal and professional life, as well as the broader sports media landscape.
FAQs
Q: What were the allegations against Shannon Sharpe?
A: Sharpe was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in Nevada, which alleged that he raped the woman twice in Las Vegas in October and once more in January.
Q: How did Sharpe respond to the allegations?
A: Through his attorney, Sharpe maintained that his relationship with the woman was consensual and sexual in nature, and characterized the lawsuit as "filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations" and an "attempt at blackmail."
Q: What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit was settled earlier this month, with both sides acknowledging a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship and reaching a mutually agreed upon resolution.
Q: Will Sharpe be returning to ESPN?
A: According to a source familiar with the situation, Sharpe will not be returning to ESPN.
