Stephen A. Smith Says ESPN Will Decide Shannon Sharpe’s Fate Not Him After Accusations

On April 22, 2025, a $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery rocked the sports media world, targeting ESPN’s First Take co-host and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. The news sent shockwaves through the industry, and Stephen A. Smith, Sharpe’s colleague and long-time First Take anchor, wasted no time addressing the situation. In a video posted to his Stephen A. Smith Show podcast and shared on X, Smith offered a candid, balanced perspective on the allegations, expressing both personal support for Sharpe and professional restraint given the gravity of the claims.

Smith, who played a pivotal role in bringing Sharpe to First Take in 2023 after his departure from FS1, revealed he was unaware of the allegations until they surfaced publicly during their shared appearance on the show Monday morning. He recounted a private conversation where Sharpe “emphatically” denied the accusations, asserting his innocence. Smith’s response, however, was layered. While he expressed hope that the allegations are untrue, he was clear about not taking a definitive stance. “I don’t know what happened. We don’t know,” Smith said, emphasizing that the situation is now in the hands of ESPN’s leadership.

Smith admitted to being “torn” about Sharpe’s approach to defending himself. The lawsuit, filed by a woman under the alias “Jane Doe,” alleges multiple instances of non-consensual sexual encounters, threats, and recordings over a nearly two-year “rocky consensual relationship.” Sharpe’s legal team, led by attorney Lanny J. Davis, has dismissed the suit as a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down” the former NFL star, pointing to suggestive text messages allegedly sent by the plaintiff. Sharpe himself took to Instagram to address the claims, doubling down on his denial. Smith acknowledged Sharpe’s instinct to “go on the offensive” as understandable, given the severity of the accusations, but hinted at unease with how the defense is unfolding. “I completely understand where Shannon Sharpe is coming from,” Smith noted, yet his hesitation suggests concern about the escalating public battle.

Smith’s commentary also underscores the delicate position he occupies. As a colleague and friend, he wishes Sharpe the best, but as a public figure, he’s mindful of the legal and professional implications. “I’m not making the decision on what happens with Shannon Sharpe going forward,” Smith stated, deferring to ESPN executives. This restraint reflects the complexity of navigating such a high-profile controversy, especially when both sides are preparing for further developments, including the potential release of a recording that could intensify the dispute.

Smith’s remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding the case. With Sharpe’s attorney acknowledging a pre-lawsuit settlement offer of “at least” $10 million and both parties bracing for more evidence, the situation is far from resolved. Smith’s gut instinct—that things could “worsen before they improve”—seems prescient as the legal battle heats up. For now, the sports media world is watching closely, and Sharpe’s future at ESPN hangs in the balance.

As the story develops, one thing is clear: Stephen A. Smith is walking a tightrope, balancing loyalty to a colleague with the need for objectivity in a case with serious allegations. His measured response shows both his personal investment in Sharpe’s success and his awareness of the broader implications for First Take and ESPN.