Shannon Sharp is on a temporary leave from ESPN after being charged with rape in a $50 million civil lawsuit on Sunday.
The 56-year-old, who appeared in “First Take,” repeatedly denied allegations by Jane Doe, who sexually assaulted him in late 2024 and early 2025.
“My statement is here, and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% agreed,” Sharp said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday.
“At this point I have chosen to temporarily stay aside from my ESPN obligations, and I will now dedicated to my family and deal with and deal with these false and destructive allegations set against me.
Tony Buzby, the accuser’s lawyer, released an audio recording this week that allows you to hear Sharp say, “I might suffocate you in public.”
Sharp’s lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, has released a series of explicit text messages that say he was sent to Sharp by the accuser. Davis says there is a consensus relationship that includes “roleplay” and “fantasy.”
A text of allegations from the accuser in October 2023 said, “I want you to put your dog’s collar around my neck and suffocate me while you keep me.”
Davis said this week that Sharp and the accuser were close to a “at least $10 million” settlement before she retreated.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
