SHANNON SHARPE is not in the hot seat for First Take – and fans want to know why.
Sharpe is considered one of the greatest tight ends of all time and during his illustrious playing career, he starred in eight Pro Bowls.
1
But he is currently in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
Why is Shannon Sharpe not on First Take?
Shannon Sharpe has stepped away from ESPN after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman which has incurred a $50m lawsuit.
The First Take star said he would be “devoting time to family” as he launches an all-out war against shocking claims that he threatened to kill an ex-lover.
In a statement posted on Instagram that Sharpe called “the truth,” he wrote, “The relationship in question was 100% consensual.
“At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.
“I plan to retire to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.
“I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends, and colleagues.”
What has been said?
Sharpe ripped attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed the suit on behalf of a plaintiff against the First Take star, 56, in Nevada on Sunday, claiming he “targets” Black men.
“Tony Buzbee targets Black men,” Sharpe said of the Houston-based attorney, adding, “and I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you can possibly imagine.”
Sharpe alleges Buzbee will release an edited video, which he claims should actually be about 10 minutes long.
The former Denver Broncos tight end asked Buzbee to release the video in full, adding, “I don’t have it, or I would myself.
“You know what happened, and you’re trying to manipulate the media.
“The account in question took place during the day at her invitation and now that appears to be a deliberate setup,” Sharpe added before naming the woman in the lawsuit.
Sharpe said he will sue Buzbee and the plaintiff, which he alleged is an OnlyFans model, for defamation.
“My career is all about real talk and honesty. I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about, and I’m going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say, just like I always do,” he said.