Shannon Sharpe’s Firing from ESPN: A Deep Dive into the Lawsuit, ESPN’s Reaction, and the Podcast Fallout
On July 30, 2025, ESPN shocked the sports media world by firing Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL star turned beloved broadcaster, following his settlement of a $50 million rape lawsuit filed by Gabriella Zuniga, a 20-year-old OnlyFans model.
The decision came just weeks after the lawsuit was resolved, ending Sharpe’s tenure with the network where he had become a fan favorite on shows like First Take.
The Lawsuit: Allegations, Extortion Claims, and a Settlement
The saga began in April 2025 when Gabriella Zuniga filed a civil lawsuit against Sharpe, alleging sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress stemming from a relationship that began in 2023. Zuniga claimed Sharpe had abused her and recorded their sexual encounters without consent, causing her significant trauma. She sought $50 million in damages for what her legal team described as “pain and suffering, psychological distress, and humiliation.”
Sharpe, represented by attorney Lanny Davis, denied the allegations outright, labeling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and an extortion attempt. His defense team released explicit text messages and videos they claimed proved the relationship was consensual. One message allegedly showed Zuniga expressing a desire to have Sharpe’s child, which they argued contradicted her claims of abuse. Sharpe’s team also revealed they had offered Zuniga a $10 million settlement to resolve the matter quietly—an offer she rejected before going public with the lawsuit.
The case escalated when Zuniga’s attorney, Tony Buzbee—a high-profile lawyer known for representing women in cases against celebrities—released audio recordings purportedly featuring Sharpe threatening to “choke the sh*t out of” Zuniga. These clips went viral, amplifying the controversy and putting Sharpe’s character under intense scrutiny. Despite the sensational headlines, no criminal charges were filed against Sharpe, and the lawsuit was settled in July 2025 for an undisclosed amount, reportedly exceeding $10 million. Following the settlement, Zuniga retired from OnlyFans, citing the platform’s role in transforming her life.
Sharpe’s camp maintained that the settlement was a pragmatic move to avoid further legal costs and public spectacle, not an admission of guilt. The evidence of a consensual relationship, combined with the rejected $10 million offer, lent credence to their extortion narrative. However, the audio recordings muddied the waters, leaving the public divided on the truth.
ESPN’s Reaction: A Step Too Far?
ESPN initially stood by Sharpe when he stepped away from his duties in April 2025, with a spokesperson calling it a “serious situation” and supporting his temporary leave. Sharpe intended to return for the NFL preseason, but after the lawsuit settled, the network reversed course and terminated him on July 30, 2025.
Was this an overreaction? Critics argue yes. The lawsuit was a civil matter, not a criminal one, and its settlement—dismissed with prejudice, barring Zuniga from refiling—resolved the legal dispute. Sharpe’s evidence of consent and his consistent denial of wrongdoing suggested the allegations might not hold up under deeper scrutiny. Furthermore, his popularity on First Take, where his chemistry with Stephen A. Smith drove ratings, made him a valuable asset. Some fans and analysts believe ESPN could have weathered the storm, especially given the lack of a criminal conviction.
On the flip side, ESPN likely saw the controversy as a liability. The viral audio recordings, regardless of context, painted Sharpe in a negative light, and the $10 million pre-lawsuit settlement offer raised eyebrows about what he might have wanted to keep under wraps. In an era where brands prioritize public perception, ESPN may have felt compelled to cut ties to protect its image, particularly amid a cultural climate where companies swiftly distance themselves from scandal-plagued figures.
Public reaction mirrored this divide. Sharpe’s supporters rallied on social media, decrying ESPN’s decision as premature, while detractors argued the network had no choice given the gravity of the allegations. The debate hinges on whether ESPN should have prioritized loyalty to a star employee over immediate damage control—a question without a clear answer.
The Podcast Deal: A Dream Deferred
Before the lawsuit surfaced, Sharpe was on the cusp of signing a $100 million deal for his podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, the latter co-hosted with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. Club Shay Shay had become a cultural phenomenon, with episodes like the Katt Williams interview racking up 89 million YouTube views. Paired with his ESPN salary and endorsements—estimated at $23 million—the podcast deal promised to cement Sharpe’s status as a media mogul.
The controversy likely derailed this golden opportunity. While Sharpe has continued producing his podcasts independently, the loss of ESPN’s platform and the associated deal’s momentum has taken a toll. No updates on the $100 million agreement have surfaced since the lawsuit, suggesting it either fell apart or was renegotiated at a lower value. The scandal’s timing—right as Sharpe was poised for a career-defining payday—underscored its devastating financial impact.
Still, Sharpe’s resilience shines through. His podcasts retain a loyal audience, and his social media presence remains robust. While the ESPN firing and podcast fallout represent a setback, they haven’t extinguished his media career entirely.