Shannon Sharpe was having quite a year—in a good way—following his viral Katt Williams interview earlier this year on his podcast, Club Shay Shay.
The success of the interview, which has garnered nearly 75 million views, along with other ventures, helped him secure a multi-year contract with ESPN. However, his position with the network now appears to be in jeopardy after the media personality live-streamed a private moment with an unknown woman, during which sexually explicit audio was broadcast to his approximately 3.2 million Instagram followers. Sharpe attempted damage control following the video’s release, initially claiming that his account had been hacked. He later admitted that the incident was solely his mistake.
Reactions have been mixed, as nothing illegal occurred, but fans have expressed disappointment over the R-rated situation, feeling understandably uncomfortable given that Sharpe, someone well-versed in social media and public platforms, made such a blunder.
Following the scandal, here’s what we know about Sharpe’s employment status with ESPN.
ESPN has not yet commented on the incident, but when the deal between the network and Sharpe was signed in June, there was widespread optimism about the partnership.
“Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary,” said David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of Event & Studio Production, in a statement about the deal, which expanded Sharpe’s role on First Take, ESPN’s morning debate show featuring Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim. “Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion.”
Sharpe has not been fired from ESPN—at least not at the time of publication—but the sports commentator is doing further damage control, partly in an effort to protect his contract.
