Latest / Fresh Intelligence / Is Shannon Sharpe Done At ESPN? TV Star's Future Revealed After His $50Million Sexual Assault Settlement
Transcript
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- 0:11[SPEAKER_01]: Here's Fresh Intelligence First to start your day!
- 0:18[SPEAKER_00]: Shannon Sharps' future with ESPN became clear following the settlement of a $50 million civil lawsuit against him.
- 0:24[SPEAKER_00]: Sources informed NBC News and the athletic that Sharps will not return to the network after settling the lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend in April.
- 0:32[SPEAKER_00]: Sharp, a pro football Hall of Famer, was a prominent figure on ESPN's morning debate show first take since joining in August 2023 and secured a multi-year contract in June 2024.
- 0:44[SPEAKER_00]: Prior to news of his departure, Sharp took a hiatus from first take to address the accusations.
- 0:49[SPEAKER_00]: He announced via Instagram story on April 24, at this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
- 0:57[SPEAKER_00]: A plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
- 1:01[SPEAKER_00]: Despite the hiatus, he continued other projects like Club Sheshe and also postponed the night cap tour.
- 1:07[SPEAKER_00]: The lawsuit filed under the name Jane Doe and later identified as Gabriella Zuniga, accused Sharpe of raping her multiple times during a rocky, consensual relationship.
- 1:17[SPEAKER_00]: Zunaga claimed that Sharp recorded their sexual activities without her consent, stating, a woman can say yes to consensual sexual relations.
- 1:25[SPEAKER_00]: But when she says no even once, that no means no.
- 1:29[SPEAKER_00]: The suit described a pattern of manipulation and violence, alleging Sharp refused to accept her rejections.
- 1:35[SPEAKER_00]: Sharp's attorney, Lany Davis, refuted the allegations, asserting that the relationship was consensual and characterized the lawsuit as a shakedown.
- 1:43[SPEAKER_00]: he indicated plans to file a counter claim.
- 1:46[SPEAKER_00]: On July 18th, Zunega's attorney, Tony Busby, announced the lawsuit settlement, stating both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship.
- 1:56[SPEAKER_00]: After protracted and respectful negotiations, all matters have been addressed satisfactorily.