Ex-ESPN Personalities React to Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit, Cite double Standards
Former ESPN personalities Sage Steele and Ashley Brewer-Kaminsky have voiced strong reactions to the $50 million lawsuit filed against Shannon Sharpe, accusing him of rape.
Steele and Brewer-Kaminsky alluded to a double standard at the network, suggesting that conservative viewpoints were treated more harshly than questionable behavior. Their comments come in the wake of a lawsuit against Sharpe alleging rape by a “Jane Doe.”
Steele Alleges Differing Treatment at ESPN
Sage Steele, who exited ESPN after a dispute over the company’s COVID-19 vaccine policy, stated that there’s “a long list of examples where ESPN and Disney considered conservative viewpoints more offensive than questionable character.” Steele made this comment on X in response to a user pointing out that ESPN didn’t renew contracts of women with conservative views.
Brewer-Kaminsky Shares experience with Perceived Bias
Ashley Brewer-Kaminsky, who was laid off from ESPN in June 2023, echoed Steele’s sentiment. She stated,“Never forget when I got chewed out by my boss for posting a pic of a republican congressman & UFC fighter on my instagram story at the McGregor fight. LOL.”
COVID-19 Protocol Discrepancies Raised
The two former colleagues further shared experiences related to COVID-19 protocols at ESPN.
“And @ashbrewkaminsky remember when we got chewed out for breaking Covid rules by standing too close to each other and posting this pic?” Steele wrote, alongside an image of them together on the “SportsCenter” set.
Kaminsky replied, “But sitting next to each other at the desk live on TV was totally fine!!!”
Steele’s Departure and Lawsuit Against ESPN
Steele departed from ESPN in Aug. 2023, settling a lawsuit that stemmed from her removal from the air in Oct. 2021, after remarks concerning ESPN’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. She stated that she chose to leave the company “so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely.”
Shannon Sharpe Faces Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault; ESPN Addresses the Matter
ESPN is taking seriously the allegations against Shannon Sharpe,who is accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by a woman identified as “Jane Doe.” The allegations stem from what the plaintiff describes as a “rocky consensual relationship” and include claims of assault, sexual assault, battery, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Sharpe Denies Allegations, Claims “Shakedown”
Sharpe’s legal counsel, Lanny J.Davis, stated that his client is in mediation with the woman. Sharpe has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a “shakedown.” Stephen A.Smith of ESPN confirmed that he spoke with Sharpe, who “was emphatic in stating his innocence.”
Details of the Lawsuit Against Sharpe
The plaintiff alleges that sharpe, who is more than 30 years her senior, brutally sexually assaulted her multiple times in late 2024 and early 2025. The lawsuit details accusations of assault, sexual assault, and emotional distress stemming from a relationship that reportedly lasted nearly two years.
ESPN’s Response and Sharpe’s Current role
ESPN has yet to release a formal public statement, while Disney co-chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, has made it “very, very clear that [ESPN is] taking this matter very seriously and we are looking into this very, very closely”. Despite the pending lawsuit, Sharpe remains on ESPN’s “first Take” on Mondays and Tuesdays, alongside his “nightcap” and “Club Shay Shay” podcasts.
Sage Steele Lands “New Media” Role at White House
In other ESPN news, former anchor Sage Steele, who recently settled a lawsuit with the network, was named the recipient of the “new media” seat at a White House press conference in February. Steele had been with ESPN since 2007.
Frank Kaminsky Expecting First Child
Former NBA player Frank Kaminsky, who currently plays overseas, and his wife are expecting their first child.
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50 Million Lawsuit Amidst Podcast Deal reports
Hall of Fame tight end and media personality Shannon Sharpe is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, filed without prior warning, according to reports. The lawsuit comes as Sharpe is reportedly on the verge of signing a lucrative deal for his “Club Shay Shay” podcast, potentially exceeding $100 million.
Rape Allegations Surface Against sharpe
Details surrounding the allegations remain limited. Sharpe’s representative, Davis, claims the plaintiff initiated the lawsuit demanding $50 million.
Timing Coincides With Reported Podcast Deal
The lawsuit was filed one day before reports surfaced suggesting Sharpe is finalizing a deal for his “Club Shay Shay” podcast that could surpass $100 million. This follows the expiration of his contract with Colin cowherd’s the Volume podcast network. Davis stated that Sharpe was willing to pay the Plaintiff “at least $10 million” in a settlement, and that the Plaintiff “took advantage” of the former NFL star’s “very lucrative” contract for his “Club Shay Shay” podcast.
Sharpe’s transition to Media Success
Sharpe, a former NFL star, has transitioned into a accomplished media personality. His profile has risen significantly due to his work as co-host of ‘Undisputed’ alongside Skip Bayless and the popularity of his podcast, “Club Shay Shay.” His reported upcoming podcast deal highlights his growing influence in the sports media landscape.
Given the provided Q&A, here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions:
Ex-ESPN Personalities react to Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit: Your Burning Questions Answered
The media world is buzzing with the $50 million lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe, and former ESPN personalities Sage Steele and Ashley Brewer-Kaminsky have added fuel to the fire. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and the questions you’re likely asking:
Q&A: Unpacking the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit and ESPN Controversy
- Q: What is Shannon Sharpe being accused of?
- A: Shannon Sharpe is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit alleging rape and various other offenses including assault, battery, and emotional distress. The lawsuit was filed by a “Jane Doe” and stems from a reported two-year relationship.
- Q: What are Sage Steele and Ashley Brewer-Kaminsky’s claims about ESPN?
- A: They suggest that ESPN had double standards, treating conservative viewpoints more harshly than questionable behavior. They cite examples of being reprimanded for actions they perceive as less serious than other instances within the company.
- Q: What happened to Sage Steele at ESPN?
- A: Steele left ESPN after a dispute over the company’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. She stated she wanted to exercise her First Amendment rights more freely and later settled a lawsuit with the network.
- Q: Is Shannon Sharpe still working for ESPN?
- A: Yes, despite the lawsuit, Sharpe remains on ESPN’s “First take” on Mondays and tuesdays. he is also involved in his podcasts, “Nightcap” and “Club Shay Shay,” which are not directly affiliated with ESPN.
- Q: What is the status of the lawsuit?
- A: Sharpe’s legal counsel claims the plaintiff initiated the lawsuit demanding $50 million. Sharpe denies the allegations and claims he is in mediation with the woman and considers the lawsuit a “shakedown.”
- Q: What is the latest on Sharpe’s podcast deal?
- A: Reports suggest Sharpe is on the verge of signing a lucrative deal for his “Club Shay shay” podcast, perhaps exceeding $100 million.
- Q: Who is Lanny J. Davis?
- A: Lanny J. Davis is a lawyer representing Shannon Sharpe. He is quoted in the articles and has also represented other high-profile clients.
The situation is unfolding quickly, and these answers provide a snapshot of what’s happening. Stay informed as the story progresses, and consider the complexities of the legal and media landscapes.
