Shannon Sharpe has been away from ESPN since a woman made troubling allegations against him in a lawsuit back in April, and a settlement has now been reached.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney who represents Gabriella Zuniga, revealed on Friday that Sharpe and Zuniga have “reached a mutually agreed upon resolution.” The lawsuit has been dismissed as a result.
“On April 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada making several allegations against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client. Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” Buzbee said in a statement via social media.
JANE DOE V. SHANNON SHARPE
On April 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada making several allegations against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client. Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful…
— Tony Buzbee (@TonyBuzbee2) July 18, 2025
A woman under the pseudonym Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Sharpe in April seeking more than $50 million. The woman, who was publicly identified by Sharpe’s legal team as Zuniga, made numerous allegations against Sharpe.
Sharpe accused Zuniga of a “shakedown” and maintained that his relationship with her was entirely consensual. The lawsuit led to the public release of a number of explicit text messages.
Sharpe also hosts a popular “Nightcap” podcast with fellow former NFL player Chad Johnson, but he has put that on hold amid the allegations as well.
Now that Sharpe has settled the lawsuit, it is possible he could resume working. Though, it is unclear what the Hall of Fame tight end’s status with ESPN will be going forward.