AN NFL legend has emerged as one of the favorites to replace Shannon Sharpe on First Take, sources have told The U.S. Sun.
Sharpe, 56, is currently facing sexual assault allegations from an unnamed woman following the end of their relationship in 2024.
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Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN future has been thrown into doubt following two sexualt assault allegationsCredit: Getty
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Jason Kelce is highly thought of at ESPN after an impressive first season as a pundit and sources have told The U.S. Sun he could replace Sharpe on First TakeCredit: Getty
On Thursday, he announced that he would temporarily step away from his ESPN duties.
NEW STORM
Additionally, The U.S. Sun has obtained a lawsuit filed by another of Sharpe’s former girlfriends, Michele Bundy Evans, who also claims she was assaulted.
While the three-time Super Bowl winner has maintained his innocence, he stated that he will take time off ahead of the new NFL season later this year.
An ESPN source, however, told The U.S. Sun that Super Bowl-winning legend Jason Kelce, 37, is being considered as one of the top candidates to step into Sharpe’s role on First Take.
The former Philadelphia Eagles star, now retired, is highly regarded at the network after an impressive debut season as a pundit.
ESPN executives reportedly believe Kelce’s outspoken persona would be a strong match against Stephen A. Smith.
His popularity has surged, thanks in part to the success of his New Heights podcast with his brother Travis.
One insider revealed that other talent, such as Monica McNutt, Chris Russo, and Dan Orlovsky, are also evaluating the situation as developments unfold.
However, they claim Jason Kelce is “the name on everyone’s lips” right now, describing his potential role on First Take as “the perfect fit.”
“A lot of people love Jason Kelce because he knows about every major U.S. sport and can engage in great, intense conversations with Stephen A. and the other hosts,” claimed the insider.
Shannon Sharpe breaks silence on $50m rape lawsuit after ‘sex tape threat’
“He’s clearly the favorite to land the gig.”
In October 2024, Sharpe allegedly “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped” a 20-year-old woman as she cried for him to stop, according to court documents obtained by The U.S. Sun.
Sharpe addressed the allegations in a statement posted on Instagram, saying, “The relationship in question was 100% consensual.”
“I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason,” he added.
“At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.”
SHOCK CLAIMS
The woman claimed they met at a Los Angeles gym in January 2023 and began a consensual relationship that later devolved into manipulation and control.
“I will be devoting this time to my family and responding to and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” Sharpe said.
An ESPN source suggested it was “impossible” for the former Denver Broncos tight end to remain on First Take, noting that many staffers questioned why ESPN hadn’t suspended him immediately after the first allegations surfaced earlier this week.
“It’s a massive mess,” he said.
“Everyone is in shock. He’s ruined his reputation and most likely his career,” the source added.
Another ESPN employee described the situation as creating an “unbearable, war-zone atmosphere.”
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ESPN chiefs think Jason Kelce would work well working alongside outspoken Stephen A. Smith (pictured)Credit: Getty
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Molly Querim (pictured) and other ESPN staffers have reportedly found the ongoing storm surrounding Sharpe difficult to takeCredit: Getty
STAFF FURY
Many colleagues were reportedly “disgusted” that Sharpe had been involved with a woman more than half his age.
“People now think he’s toxic,” the source added. “Staff would have complained to the board or even quit if he hadn’t stepped down. Trust has been broken.”
Sharpe’s former flame Evans, meanwhile, alleged in court documents that she was overwhelmed by fear and confusion during an incident in 2010, stating, “I harbored a deep-seated apprehension that resistance would result in further detrimental outcomes.”
According to her lawsuit, which was filed in late 2023, Evans claimed she and Sharpe had been in a relationship for nearly a decade when an argument broke out over accusations of infidelity.
During the argument, she alleged that Sharpe “forcefully subdued me, compelling me to my knees and subsequently engaging in non-consensual oral penetration.”
Shannon Sharpe’s playing career
Shannon Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion before his heavyweight media career.
The former tight end played in the NFL from 1990 until 2003 – mostly with the Denver Broncos.
He was part of the Super Bowl championship teams in 1998 and 1999 as well as the Baltimore Ravens’ title-winning team in 2001.
Sharpe was an eight-time Pro Bowler and voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He finished with 10,060 career receiving yards from 815 receptions with 62 touchdowns.
The ex-NFL star has had just as strong a career on television screens since retiring.
“Despite my protests, he persisted in this violation,” she stated.
Evans had previously taken out a restraining order against the former NFL star turned sports host and podcast personality, though she later dropped it—a decision she discussed with The U.S. Sun.
The lawsuit also accused Sharpe of pushing their issues into the public domain, which damaged her reputation and sparked further issues.
The U.S. Sun contacted ESPN for comment, but is yet to hear back.
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ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins who also appears on First TakeCredit: Getty
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Monica McNutt is one of a number of ESPN employees said to have been rocked by the scandalCredit: Getty
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Host Dan Orlovsky is said to be monitoring the situation with Shannon SharpeCredit: Getty
