Shannon Sharpe has officially announced a temporary departure from ESPN following a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed against him earlier this week. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and popular sports commentator continues to deny all allegations, asserting that the relationship at the center of the lawsuit was entirely consensual.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sharpe addressed the situation directly:
“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100 percent consensual.”

He went on to explain his decision to step back from his role at ESPN:
“At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”

Sharpe ended the message by thanking his supporters:
“I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”

Details on the Allegation

pic.twitter.com/jsVyWA1xbI

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 24, 2025

The lawsuit, filed anonymously by a woman earlier this week, accuses Sharpe of sexual assault and seeks $50 million in damages. Sharpe has firmly denied the claims and has not been formally charged with any crime. His legal team is expected to issue a more detailed response as proceedings develop.

For now, Sharpe says his focus is on addressing the allegations privately while preparing to rejoin ESPN in time for the upcoming NFL season.