🚨 BREAKING: Shannon Sharpe is FIRED from ESPN PERMANENTLY.

Per Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the network has officially cut ties with the Hall of Famer following the quiet settlement of a civil lawsuit involving influencer and former OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga.

After months of dealing with a high-profile lawsuit regarding allegations of sexual assault and rape, ESPN has officially cut ties with Shannon Sharpe.

During an episode of his podcast, “Nightcap,” Shannon Sharpe, 57, broke his silence on his firing and revealed that he had asked the sports network to delay their announcement for a specific reason.

Shannon Sharpe Reveals He Asked ESPN To Delay His Firing For One Specific Reason

Sharpe shared with his listeners that he actually learned he was being fired from ESPN “a little earlier in the week” and asked the network for one favor.

“Really, the only thing that I really asked was, ‘Guys, can we wait until Monday?'” the Super Bowl champion admitted, later explaining that he believed the news of his firing would “overshadow” his brother, Sterling Sharpe’s, induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen that way,” he said before revealing he’s “profusely apologized” to his brother for casting a shadow over his big moment.

As Sharpe continued, the “Club Shay Shay” host expressed his gratitude to the network for providing him with the opportunity to share his expertise with their audience. “But I just wish … this thing could’ve waited until Monday, because I hate the fact that I’m overshadowing my brother,” he said.

A Look Back At Shannon Sharpe’s Tumultuous Broadcasting Career

The Athletic reported that ESPN ended its working relationship with Sharpe months after the Denver Broncos alum announced he was taking a step back from the network to handle his legal woes.

Before joining ESPN, Sharpe had become a welcome face in the sports broadcasting world. Sharpe first began his media career as a commentator on “The NFL Today” before hosting the Sirius NFL radio show “Opening Drive.”

Years later, in 2016, Sharpe partnered with Skip Bayless for “Undisputed”; however, their working relationship famously imploded after the two hosts repeatedly clashed on air.

While working for ESPN, Sharpe created the “Nightcap” podcast with Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, in which they discuss trending topics related to sports and pop culture.

He also has another show, “Club Shay Shay,” which serves as a more in-depth podcast, featuring guests such as Coco Jones, Vice President Kamala Harris, and coach Deion Sanders.

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What Was Shannon Sharpe Sued Over?

According to a previous report from The Blast, Sharpe was sued by his ex-girlfriend, who initially filed under the name “Jane Doe,” for $50 million.

Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, who has also worked with clients to file lawsuits against other big names, such as Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, claimed in the initial filing that Sharpe was physically abusive and “demanded complete control of [Doe’s] time and body.”

The lawsuit also alleged the former NFL player raped Doe more than once.

Sharpe initially offered Doe “at least $10 million” to settle the case, per his representative, Lanny J. Davis.

However, in July 2025, Buzbee announced on his social media account that both parties had reached a “mutually agreed upon resolution” after weeks of “respectful negotiations.”

Days later, Doe announced her retirement from OnlyFans, writing, “Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown me over the past few years.”

“This community has given me a life I could have never imagined. I’ll still be active on social media and have several new projects in the works that I can’t wait to share! I’m truly excited for this next chapter. I love you all forever and ever,” Doe wrote.

Fans React To Sharpe’s Latest Statement

On social media, fans lashed out at Sharpe after he broke his silence on his firing.

“Lol, big a-s clown,” someone wrote, while another said, “This h-e took you for a fool.”

Another user also joined in, writing, “You fumbled at the goal line,” before another user posted, “Shouldn’t have been f-cking 19 year olds then, Unc.”

Social Media Continues To Slam Sharpe For ‘Playing With An OF Model’

And the commentary didn’t stop there. Another user slammed Sharpe for “role playing with an [OnlyFans] model.”

“Be more wise in the future and listen to people warning you,” another user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“Pride comes before the fall,” @TheRealNick2 posted. “I remember when he left ‘Undisputed’ and posted videos with Stephen A. Smith mocking Skip.”

“I stopped like Shannon after that — and I did like him,” they continued. “It’s kind of fitting — he really needed to humble himself and he does sound like maybe he is.”