ESPN Fires Shannon Sharpe Days After He Settled Rape Lawsuit—but He Continues To Record Hit Podcast Inside $2 Million Georgia Home

ESPN has cut ties with Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe—just days after he settled a rape lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend.

The former NFL star, 57, has featured as one of the network’s most prominent faces since he made his debut on its debate show “First Take” in August 2023.

However, it was revealed on July 30 that ESPN has opted to ax the beleaguered host, just two weeks after he reached a settlement agreement with his former partner.

The anonymous woman launched a $50 million lawsuit against Sharpe in April over claims that he raped her multiple times during their “rocky, consensual relationship,” which lasted for two years.

When news of the lawsuit broke, Sharpe fiercely denied the allegations, branding the case a “shakedown” attempt by the plaintiff, who hails from Nevada and filed the suit under the name “Jane Doe.”

Still, he took a leave of absence from ESPN while the matter was handled—only for the network to decide not to bring him back as an on-air host in the wake of the controversy.

Throughout the monthslong legal process, Sharpe has continued to connect with fans on his podcast, which he records inside a custom-built studio at his $2 million Georgia fans—and on which he addressed his firing during an episode that aired Wednesday night.

The former football pro stated that he was “very, very grateful” for his time at the network; however, he noted that the timing of his dismissal was unfortunate because it overshadowed some otherwise very positive news in his family: his brother Sterling being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“I found out this information a little earlier in the week, and really the only thing that I really asked is like, ‘Guys, could we wait until Monday? My brother’s going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really want it to be about him, and I want it to be about my family,’” Sharpe explained on the “Nightcap” podcast, which he hosts alongside former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.

Much like his older brother, Sterling enjoyed a very successful professional football career, serving as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers from 1988 until 1994, when he suffered a neck injury that forced him to cut short his time on the field.

He is due to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2.

Sharpe told viewers that he “profusely” apologized to his sibling for overshadowing his news, noting that Sterling forgave him and branded him his “hero” and “role model.”

“[ESPN] did what they felt they needed to do, and I’m at peace with that. But I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday, because I hate the fact that I’ve overshadowed my brother,” he added.

“The first two brothers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this is what the headline’s going to be for the next couple of days.”

Despite taking a step back from ESPN since the lawsuit filing was made public, Sharpe has continued to record his podcast at his home—although he has hesitated to share any details about the ongoing legal proceedings between himself and his anonymous accuser.

After a settlement was reached, however, the woman’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, issued a statement in which he said: “Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. 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. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.”

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

The woman—who was 19 when the alleged assault began, as per USA Today—claimed that Sharpe recorded their intimate moments without her consent and then shared the recordings with others.

She further alleged that the assaults took place in October 2024 and again in January of this year, accusing Sharpe of “manipulating and controlling Plaintiff” and issuing threats of violence against her.

The complaint read, “A woman can say ‘yes’ to consensual sexual relations with a man ninety-nine times, but when she says ‘no’ even once, that ‘no’ means no. Defendant Shannon Sharpe, a man who is accustomed to getting what he wants, completely fails to understand this basic concept.”

The woman alleged that Sharpe made multiple advances toward her at a gym in Los Angeles until she eventually gave in.

Sharpe allegedly requested the woman sign an NDA before they met up; however, he later went back on his demand when he received pushback from her.

According to People, the lawsuit further describes alleged incidents of violence.

Throughout the allegations and his dismissal from ESPN, Sharpe has been hunkering down at his Atlanta property, which was built in 1990 and which Realtor.com® now estimates to be worth $2 million.

According to property records, Sharpe purchased the home in 1994 for $625,000.

The property sprawls across 6,718 square feet and boasts six bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

The brick home features a large driveway that leads to the front door and a beautiful bay window.

During his NFL career, Sharpe played for the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. He amassed three Super Bowl wins and became a sports broadcaster after his retirement.