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Shannon Sharpe, the Pro Football Hall of Famer turned ESPN commentator, has been officially cut from the network just weeks after reaching a settlement with a woman who had accused him of sexual assault and rape in a high-profile civil lawsuit. ESPN confirmed it will not bring him back, ending what began as a temporary leave of absence in April 2025.
On April 20, 2025, a woman initially filing under the pseudonym “Jane Doe”, later publicly identified as OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga, filed a $50 million civil suit in Nevada against Sharpe. She alleged multiple counts including rape, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unauthorized recording and sharing of intimate encounters.
Sharpe categorically denied all allegations, calling the suit a “shakedown.” His legal team, led by Lanny Davis, released text messages and other materials suggesting the relationship had been consensual. During the dispute, an audio clip alleged to feature Sharpe threatening his accuser also surfaced.
On July 18, Sharpe and Zuniga’s attorneys announced a mutually agreed upon settlement. Tony Buzbee, Zuniga’s legal counsel, called the relationship “long-term, consensual and tumultuous” and confirmed the lawsuit would be dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can never be refiled.
Sharpe had stepped away from ESPN on April 24, signaling plans to return before the NFL preseason. However, insiders cited by The Athletic revealed on July 30 that the network has formally parted ways with him. Despite his early intention to return, ESPN has now severed all ties. Related coverage by The Associated Press confirms ESPN’s decision came less than two weeks after the settlement, though financial details remain undisclosed.
Within 24 to 48 hours of the settlement announcement, Gabriella Zuniga declared via Instagram that she was retiring from OnlyFans. Her farewell message thanked fans and teased upcoming projects. Public reaction ranged from celebration of her financial success to criticism over perceived opportunism.
Meanwhile, Sharpe’s podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” continue to be released, but his mainstream media presence has sharply contracted. The settlement formally closed the lawsuit, and Sharpe is no longer under contract with ESPN.
