ESPN has officially ended its relationship with Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, just days before what was supposed to be a celebration for his family. The decision comes less than two weeks after Sharpe settled a lawsuit filed against him by a former girlfriend who accused him of sexual misconduct.
Videos by FanBuzz
Sharpe, 57, addressed the development on the latest episode of his "Nightcap" podcast, released Wednesday night. While he said he holds no grudge against the network, he expressed frustration over the timing.
"My brother's going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really want it to be about him and I want it to be about my family," Sharpe said. "I said this coming out would overshadow everything that he's worked his entire life for. Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way."
His brother, Sterling Sharpe, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, marking the first time two brothers have been enshrined in Canton. Shannon Sharpe said he apologized to Sterling earlier in the day and regrets the spotlight shifting away from his brother's accomplishments.
Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after a high-profile exit from FS1's "Undisputed," where he spent several years debating sports alongside Skip Bayless. On ESPN, Sharpe became a frequent contributor to "First Take" and launched the "Nightcap" podcast, further expanding his media profile.
"I really enjoyed my time at ESPN," Sharpe said. "They gave me an opportunity to bring my audience that saw me really just grow. I'm very, very grateful for that. They did what they felt they needed to do, and I'm at peace with that. I just wish this could've waited until Monday."
The lawsuit, filed in April by Gabriella Zuniga, alleged Sharpe engaged in abusive behavior during a consensual relationship that began after the two met at a gym. The $50 million complaint cast a long shadow over Sharpe's media presence and prompted him to step away from ESPN on April 24.
At the time, Sharpe left the door open for a return. That door now appears closed.
Despite the fallout, he says his primary concern remains his family.
"I hate the fact that I've overshadowed my brother," he said.
Sharpe has not announced what's next, but given his popularity and media presence, a return to the spotlight seems likely, though it won't be on ESPN.
