ESPN could be targeting a big-hitting American sporting legend to replace Shannon Sharpe on First Take, insiders have claimed.
Disgraced former NFL star Sharpe was officially let go by the TV network this week in the wake of his rape accusation shame.
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The 57 year-old, who has not appeared on air since the storm broke in April, has settled a lawsuit with his female accuser.
A lawsuit was filed against Sharpe by a woman with whom he had a two-year relationship, alleging that he engaged in a pattern of manipulation, physical assault, and sexual assault against her.
Sharpe was first sued for $50 million but it is unclear how much the settlement involved.
The U.S. Sun understands loudmouth First Take host Stephen A. Smith was “p****ed” to see Sharpe go despite alleged attempts to keep his pal on the show.
Read more on Shannon Sharpe
Insiders, however, stress most ESPN staffers were delighted with the decision, with one describing it as “the best news we could have hoped for.”
According to two well-placed sources, Jason Kelce, who has proved a hit as a pundit on Monday Night Football, isn’t interested in the role.
But that opens the door to NBA legend Charles Barkley, who is the “name on everyone’s lips.”
“Charles would be a fantastic addition. I used to work with him many years ago, and he is a funny guy who would fit perfectly on our show,” a member of the production staff told The U.S. Sun.
Barkley is best known as a pundit for his appearances on TNT’s Inside the NBA show, where he stars alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
But with the show to be screened on ESPN from the start of the new season later this year after the NBA announced a new 11-year, $76-billion deal with ABC and ESPN, the transition would be smooth.
“He could eat Stephen A. Smith alive with his analysis and with his personality, and many, many of us can’t wait to have someone put Stephen A. Smith on the ‘grill’ and not be afraid to debate hard with him,” added the source.
GOOD RIDDANCE
Sharpe’s exit was seen as a “relief” by many at the network, with many staffers reportedly rejecting offers from him to work on other projects moving forward.
One long-term employee of First Take said Sharpe is seen as a “complete idiot who has ruined his reputation.”
“No one wants anything to do with him” added the insider.
Production staff feared Sharpe would return this summer after initially stepping down from his role on the popular show.
The U.S. Sun understands there were calls to have the three-time Super Bowl champion axed once the allegations first appeared.
But with close pal Smith pushing for him to return, the saga was stretched out until this week when ESPN finally announced he was leaving.
“Times have been very tense as we were getting ready to have him back at some point, but now I would say that the crew and the guys feel like we ‘won’ that battle.
“He won’t be back, and we get rid of a toxic guy—a guy who was doing his own thing and who ruined his reputation by being a womanizer and a weirdo with women.
“He broke the trust we had in him by behaving like a moron with this woman. We know that the board would like to have someone who could match Stephen A. Smith’s energy, and we believe that man is Charles Barkley.”
SHARPE SPEAKS OUT
Sharpe broke his silence on the settlement on Wednesday night on his Nightcap podcast.
He used it to apologize to his brother Sterling, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.
Sharpe said he had been desperate for ESPN to wait to make the announcement until after the induction.
“They (ESPN) did what they felt they needed to do, and I’m at peace with that,” he said.
“But I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday, because I hate the fact that I’ve overshadowed my brother.
“The first two brothers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this is what the headline’s gonna be for the next few days.
“Bro, I know you told me I don’t have to apologize, but I’m gonna do it one final time tonight and I won’t apologize again.
“I’m sorry that I upstaged you in this manner. That was never my intent.
“You’ve been my hero, you’ve been my role model from as long as I can remember.
“I apologize and I thank all my fans for supporting me, when I was at ESPN and every place that I’ve been – be it Club Shay Shay, Nightcap, Undisputed, ESPN.”
REPUTATION RUINED
Sharpe’s dramatic fall from grace, however, is far from over.
The U.S. Sun has exclusively revealed there is a fresh, $20 million lawsuit alleging that he shamed a woman over a viral flirty video with Usher, and wrongly alleged her husband left her over the incident.
In court documents, Jimalita Tillman, is suing Sharpe, as well as his Nightcap co-host Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, and the podcast’s production company, Shay Shay Media.
We also disclosed how any hopes of securing a whopping $100 million podcast deal were destroyed by the initial sexual assault allegations.
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