Shannon Sharpe's ESPN return never happening, says Le Batard as Disney wants no part of rape controversy
Shannon Sharpe's ESPN career faces uncertainty following sexual assault allegations (Getty Images)
I
n the wake of sexual assault allegations, Shannon Sharpe's once-promising ESPN career may be nearing an unofficial end, according to former network personality Dan Le Batard.
The media veteran recently weighed in on the controversial case during an episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, casting serious doubt on the Hall of Fame tight end's return to the 'worldwide leader in sports.'
Shannon
Sharpe
's future at ESPN appears grim after
civil lawsuit
bombshell
Shannon Sharpe's future at ESPN is hanging by a thread as Dan Le Batard suggests
Disney
wants no association with the
NFL
legend amid explosive rape allegations and public backlash.
'I guess we probably all know at this point that Shannon Sharpe is not likely to ever work at ESPN again, right?' Le Batard remarked.
The speculation comes months after Sharpe was accused of sexual assault in a $50 million civil lawsuit filed in Nevada. The complaint includes claims of assault, sexual battery, and coercion, stemming from alleged incidents in late 2024 and early 2025.
Max Kellerman is BACK! Will Shannon work at ESPN again? Would Max/Stephen A politics have worked?
Sharpe, who joined ESPN's 'First Take' in 2023 following his high-profile exit from FS1's 'Undisputed,' has denied all allegations through his legal team. In a statement issued earlier this year, attorney Lanny J.
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Davis said: 'Mr. Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct — especially the gross lie of 'rape' — and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail.'
Despite his public denial, Sharpe stepped away from ESPN in April, stating: '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.'
Stephen A. Smith 'hopeful' for Shannon Sharpe's return, but public pressure looms large
Stephen A Smith on Lebron James - Shannon Sharpe - Shedeur Sanders - ESPN - Michael Jordan - Podcast
While Sharpe had initially signaled intentions to return in time for the NFL preseason, that timeline now seems increasingly unlikely. Even ESPN has distanced itself, telling the New York Post, 'This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away.'
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's marquee figure, offered a measured show of support, saying in May, 'He is emphatic that he is innocent… But the court of public opinion is what the Disneys of the world and others concern themselves with.'
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Sharpe continues to host his personal shows, 'Club Shay Shay' and 'Nightcap' with Chad Ochocinco. But as legal battles mount and reputational damage continues, Dan Le Batard's prediction may be less speculation—and more inevitability.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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