NEW YORK — Shannon Sharpe is taking a leave of absence from ESPN’s “First Take” after being hit with a rape accusation and a $50 million lawsuit filed by a Nevada woman who alleges the former NFL star assaulted and threatened her during a two-year relationship.

Sharpe announced his decision Thursday in a statement posted on X, saying he would be “electing to step aside temporarily” from his ESPN duties. He emphasized that the relationship in question was “100% consensual” and that he plans to return to the network at the start of the NFL preseason.

“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” Sharpe wrote.

ESPN Responds

In a statement Thursday, ESPN acknowledged Sharpe’s decision and supported his choice to step away.

“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” the network said.

Sharpe’s absence gives Walt Disney Co.-owned ESPN time to evaluate the situation and assess his long-term status with the network.

Background on the Allegations

The lawsuit, first reported earlier this week, claims that Sharpe raped and threatened the woman during their two-year relationship. The woman is seeking $50 million in damages. Sharpe, also known for hosting the popular podcast “Club Shay Shay,” has denied the allegations, calling them false and disruptive.

Sharpe joined “First Take” in 2023, bringing a new dynamic to the show alongside Stephen A. Smith and helping it reach new ratings heights.