Former NFL star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit, initially filed in April 2024 by an anonymous plaintiff referred to as Jane Doe, accused Sharpe of multiple instances of assault during their nearly two-year relationship. Details of the settlement were confirmed by the attorney for the accuser, Tony Buzbee, who stated on Friday that both parties acknowledged a “long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship.”
According to Buzbee, “After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.” Following this statement, a spokesperson for Sharpe confirmed the settlement but noted that the former athlete would not provide further comments.
The lawsuit sought over $50 million in compensatory and punitive damages, a figure that underscores the serious nature of the claims. Sharpe’s legal team previously characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and asserted that he “categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.”
In a video posted on X in April, Sharpe addressed his supporters directly, stating, “This is a shakedown. I’m going to be open, transparent and defend myself, because this isn’t right.” The lawsuit alleged that Sharpe, now 56 years old, manipulated and controlled the plaintiff, who was 20 at the start of their relationship in 2023. The civil complaint detailed accusations of violent sexual assault occurring in October 2024 and January 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The allegations included claims that Sharpe ignored the plaintiff’s requests to stop during these incidents. Buzbee did not comment on whether Jane Doe had reported the incidents to law enforcement. Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, contended that the relationship was consensual and initiated by the plaintiff, describing it as “sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests.”
Inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2011, Sharpe had a distinguished career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990 and retired in 2003 as the all-time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end. Sharpe won a total of three Super Bowl championships, two with the Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens.
Following the lawsuit’s filing, Sharpe announced he would temporarily step away from his role at ESPN, where he is a prominent figure on the morning sports debate show “First Take.” He stated, “I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.” Sharpe indicated his intention to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
ESPN acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, supporting Sharpe’s decision to take time off but has not commented on the settlement or his potential return to the network.
