Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Shannon Sharpe has officially wrapped his run at ESPN. The network has cut ties with the former NFL superstar nearly two weeks after he settled his sexual assault lawsuit.
On Wednesday, July 30, TMZ confirmed that Shannon Sharpe and ESPN have parted ways. The athlete was a regular on the network’s morning show ‘First Take,’ but decided to step away in April following sexual assault allegations made by Gabriella Zuniga. Sharpe will continue hosting his ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast and co-hosting ‘Night Cap’ with Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, according to TMZ.
Hours after ESPN dropped the news about their separation from Shannon, he addressed it on his ‘Night Cap’ podcast with Ochocinco. He admitted he felt disappointed that the announcement came while his brother was getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Shannon said he wanted the spotlight on his brother and didn’t wnat his situation to take away from that moment.
“I really wanted it to be about him and my family. This coming out would overshadow everything he’s worked his entire life for,” Sharpe explained.
Sharpe said he enjoyed working at ESPN and appreciated all the memories he made. Still, he stood firm on wishing the news had dropped next week instead.
“I really enjoyed my time at ESPN. They saw me bring all of these funny analogies that my grandparents gave me and I was able to bring that to ESPN. But I just wish this thing could’ve waited until Monday.”
Social media users quickly reacted to the update about Shannon Sharpe over in The Shade Room’s comment section. Many expressed disappointment over the end of his collaboration with ESPN.
Instagram user @dominiquechinn wrote, “This man was having so much success. One thing can change everything.”
Instagram user @chocolatesmurfette wrote, “Playing in the snow has its consequences.”
While Instagram user @chriswilliamsii wrote, “He paid her $23 mil and still got fired. I wouldnt have gave her a dime.”
Then Instagram user @authorjon wrote, “Unpopular opinion we need to have a serious conversation with men about sexual discipline.”
Another Instagram user @khemistrymusicpage, “That man literally only did Mondays.. thats like getting fired from DoorDash when you got a full time gig already ”
Instagram user @dominiquedaniell3 wrote, “Y’all gone learn to listen to DR UMAR ”
While another Instagram user @she_has_lyfe wrote, “Welp shouldve listened to Katt & Monique ”
Then another Instagram user @xo.strawberrymeng.xo wrote, “Threw his whole career away. Literally threw it away with $ . He aint smiling no more.”
Lastly, Instagram user @northwest.d wrote, “She Retired & You Get Fired Smh.”
News broke that Shannon Sharpe left ESPN shortly after he reached an agreement with his accuser, which led to the dismissal of his lawsuit. In April, Gabriella Zuniga sued Sharpe for $50 million, accusing him of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Zuniga’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, posted on Instagram confirming the lawsuit’s dismissal. He admitted that they had a long-term, consensual but complicated relationship. Still, they managed to reach a mutual agreement. Just days after the lawsuit ended, Gabriella announced on Instagram that she’s retiring from OnlyFans but will remain active on social media.
Today, I have decided to retire from OF. Thank you for the incredible support youve shown me over the past few years. This community has given me a life I could have never imagined. Ill still be active on social media and have several new projects in the works that I cant wait to share! Im truly excited for this chapter. I love you all forever and ever, Gabriella Zuniga wrote via IG.
