SHANNON Sharpe’s hopes of securing a massive $100 million podcast deal have collapsed following allegations of sexual assault, sources told The U.S. Sun.
The ESPN pundit has enjoyed runaway success with his shows on the Volume podcast network since leaving Undisputed on FS1 in 2023.
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His flagship show, Club Shay Shay, has attracted millions of listeners and boasts over 4 million YouTube subscribers.
With Sharpe’s deal with Volume — the network owned by Fox anchor Colin Cowherd — recently expiring, insiders say multiple new offers had been on the table.
However, the emergence of two separate sexual misconduct lawsuits, which included graphic text messages seen by The U.S. Sun, has forced the three-time Super Bowl winner to step away from appearing on First Take until later this year.
The U.S. Sun understands the allegations have sent shockwaves through ESPN and derailed plans by other media companies to acquire his podcast properties.
Resd more on Shannon Sharpe
The Denver Broncos legend had been eyeing major six-figure deals for the entire Shay Shay network, which includes Club 520 Podcast, The Bubba Dub Show, and Humble Baddies.
But a source close to Sharpe who works on First Take said the 52-year-old has “gambled” with his career amid a slew of disturbing allegations from the lawsuits.
According to court documents, Sharpe, 56, allegedly “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped” a 20 year-old woman in October 2024, as she begged him to stop.
The U.S. Sun has also obtained a separate lawsuit filed by another of Sharpe’s former girlfriends, Michele Bundy Evans, who claims she was also assaulted.
“The podcast deals are off the table,” said the source. “Shannon’s reputation has ruined everything. Getting all that money is no longer a reality.”
The insider added that revations of Sharpe’s relationship with a much younger woman has likely turned off any remaining potential investors.
“I can’t see anyone wanting to work with him now,” the source continued. “Especially women.”
The U.S. Sun understands Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce is one of the frontrunners to replace Sharpe on First Take as the controversy continues.
“He’s the name on everyone’s lips,” a source at the network said.
Sharpe is facing allegations from the unnamed woman following the end of their relationship in 2024. On Thursday, he announced he would take a temporary leave from ESPN.
Sharpe has denied the allegations, stating he plans to step back ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
In court documents obtained by The U.S. Sun, the woman claimed Sharpe assaulted her in October 2024, despite her repeated pleas for him to stop.
He’s f***** everything up. It’s pathetic.
ESPN source on Shannon Sharpe’s future prospects following sexual abuse allegations
In a statement posted to Instagram, Sharpe maintained that the relationship was “100% consensual” and said he plans to return to ESPN in time for preseason coverage.
“At this time, I have decided to step away temporarily from my duties at ESPN,” he wrote. “I will be using this time to focus on my family and addressing these false and disruptive allegations.”
SHOCKING ALLEGATIONS
The woman said she and Sharpe met at a Los Angeles gym in January 2023 and began a consensual relationship that later turned “manipulative and controlling.”
A source within ESPN said Sharpe’s continued presence on First Take caused internal tension, with some questioning why the network didn’t suspend him immediately.
“This situation is a complete disaster,” the source said. “People are shocked, and it’s likely his reputation and career are irreparably damaged.”
Another ESPN employee described the workplace atmosphere as “unbearable, like a war zone,” adding that many were “disgusted” by Sharpe.
“He’s seen as toxic now,” the insider said. “Trust has been broken, and people would’ve complained to management—or even resigned—if he hadn’t stepped down.”
“I can’t believe he gambled his career by being with a 20-year-old girl. He’s f***ed everything up. It’s pathetic.”
The U.S. Sun reached out to ESPN for comment. The network declined to respond.
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