Shannon Sharpe, former NFL star and one of the most recognisable faces of ESPN's First Take, is no longer with the network, a source confirmed to CNN. The development follows less than two weeks after Sharpe reached a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit brought by a woman alleging multiple incidents of assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery.
According to The Athletic, the split is unrelated to Sharpe's role as a pundit and instead stems from off-air controversies. His legal team has yet to comment, and ESPN has declined to issue a statement following the settlement on 18 July.
