Former NFL star and current media personality Shannon Sharpe announced via social media that he will be on a hiatus from his duties at ESPN as he defends himself against a sexual assault accusation.
The $50 million lawsuit stems from a relationship Sharpe, 56, had with a 19-year-old woman. Sharpe has vehemently denied the allegations.
“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe said. “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 return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”
ESPN reportedly responded to Sharpe’s announcement.
“This is a serious situation,” ESPN said, according to Front Office Sports. “We agree with Shannon’s decision to step away.”