For the first time since reports emerged about a lawsuit and rape accusations against Shannon Sharpe , Stephen A. Smith He responded. The ESPN host tackled the issue during his podcast on Tuesday evening.
Sharpe confirmed the lawsuit Tuesday, first reported by TMZ . A woman is suing the Pro Football Hall of Famer for $50 million and alleges he raped her on multiple occasions after the two met in 2023. She is represented by Tony Buzbee who represented clients alleging Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual abuse.
Smith discussed his connection with Sharpe and the influenceSharpe had on him. First Take Since becoming part of the program last year, things have changed. However, regarding the lawsuit and the overall circumstances, Smith mentioned that he lacks sufficient information to comment knowledgeably on whether Sharpe is innocent or guilty. Additionally, he stated that he informed ESPN executives that he would address this topic during his show.
"It's a sorrowful circumstance," Smith stated. The Stephen A. Smith Program Shannon Sharpe is someone I collaborate with two days each week at ESPN where we co-host 'First Take.' Since his arrival, he has significantly contributed to our success; together, we've held the top spot for over 13 consecutive years. Personally, I'm extremely grateful for everything he brings to the table both professionally and personally—we have become good friends who support one another. Knowing some of his past struggles makes this bond even stronger. When he left Fox Sports, welcoming him aboard became an easy decision for us. It should be noted though, my perspective comes strictly from public information regarding ESPN and Disney—since I wasn’t present during certain events, I cannot offer firsthand accounts.
Although I hold deep affection and admiration for Shannon Sharpe, and I genuinely hope and pray that he is entirely free from the accusations made against him, I cannot comment knowledgeably about his innocence or guilt since I am not involved in this matter at all. I haven’t witnessed anything firsthand nor do I possess any information regarding this individual. All I know comes from various reports.
Stephen A. Smith is 'seriously looking into this.'
Sharpe’s lawyers released a blistering statement In reaction to the lawsuit, he completely denied all accusations made against the ex-Denver Broncos tight end. He additionally release a video on Tuesday tackling the issue and possible subsequent actions.
As progress continues, Smith mentioned that the authorities at ESPN, including Jimmy Pitaro — are aware of the lawsuit and accusations. Nevertheless, he isn't sure about what will come next.
I serve as the executive producer. First Take On ESPN," Smith stated. "I was involved with recruiting Shannon; I found him and brought him here. However, I'm not at the top—there are others above me. The structure has multiple levels, some of which remain out of my reach. Additionally, I had a conversation with Jimmy Pitaro, the co-chairman of Disney and someone high up in the organization, who emphasized how seriously they're treating this issue and their commitment to thoroughly investigating it. Once we've collected every possible fact, decisions will be made accordingly. That’s everything he shared, and I have been granted permission to disclose his comments publicly since receiving approval."
"In my ideal world, this would mean Jay-Z , where the case is eventually dismissed and Shannon is permitted to proceed. First Take and continue to thrive and shine. … In my perfect world, he moves on and somehow, some way we find this all to be false. But it doesn’t seem like that’s the way things are about to go down considering who Mr. Buzbee is and how emphatic his client is proclaiming that she is right and she’s telling the truth.”
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