Shannon Sharpe settles $50 million sexual assault lawsuit and temporarily steps away from ESPN duties

Shannon Sharpe resolves lawsuit with accuser over rape and misconduct claims, plans return to ESPN.

Shannon Sharpe has reached a settlement in the $50 million rape and sexual assault lawsuit filed against him earlier this year. The agreement, confirmed by Tony Buzbee, attorney for the woman who brought the case, officially brings the matter to a close.

“All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed,” Buzbee said in a statement to People. “The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.” He added that both parties acknowledged a “long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship,” and noted that the resolution followed “protracted and respectful negotiations.”

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, declined to comment publicly on the settlement.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2025 by a woman identified as “Jane Doe” in court documents, alleged that the former NFL player and ESPN personality raped her on multiple occasions during a nearly two-year relationship. She further claimed that Sharpe recorded their sexual encounters without her consent and shared those recordings with others. The plaintiff sought $50 million in damages.

Sharpe, 57, denied all allegations at the time. In a statement via Davis, he described the claims as false and labeled the lawsuit a “shakedown.” He insisted the relationship was consensual and stated he was prepared to defend himself fully through due process.

The legal action also had immediate professional consequences. Sharpe announced that he would temporarily step away from his ESPN duties to focus on family and respond to the allegations. He expressed plans to return to the network ahead of the NFL preseason.

Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end, played for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, winning three Super Bowls before transitioning to a successful career in sports media.

No financial or settlement terms were disclosed publicly.