Shannon Sharpe sacked from ESPN after settling $50M sexual assault lawsuit with OnlyFans model

ESPN football analyst Shannon Sharpe will not return to the cable sports network, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News on Wednesday.

Sharpe, a Hall of Fame former player, settled a lawsuit this month that accused him of sexual assault, according to the plaintiff’s attorney.

He had stepped aside from ESPN in April after a woman filed the lawsuit in Nevada. The suit accused him of raping the woman twice in Las Vegas in October and once more in January.

A representative and an attorney for Sharpe did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tony Buzbee, the woman’s attorney, said in a statement on July 18 that the civil suit had been settled.

“Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship,” Buzbee said. “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.”

In a statement after the suit was filed, an attorney for Sharpe said he and the woman had a relationship that was “consensual and sexual in nature.”