ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith spoke candidly about Shannon Sharpe’s decision to step away from “First Take” amid rape allegations, calling the move “a blow to me personally” but saying he fully supports his colleague.
On his YouTube show Friday, Smith made it clear he does not believe Sharpe is guilty of the accusations leveled against him. Earlier this week, a woman filed a $50 million lawsuit in Nevada’s Clark County, alleging that the former NFL star sexually assaulted her during their relationship.
“Do I believe that Shannon Sharpe is guilty of what he has been accused of? Absolutely not. That is my personal opinion,” Smith said. “The brother that I’ve come to know, I don’t believe would assault or rape anybody.”
Smith emphasized, however, that his support is based on personal feelings, not any insider knowledge about the case.
“I’m not implying that I know anything beyond my personal opinion,” he added.
Sharpe Steps Away Temporarily
Sharpe announced Thursday that he would be stepping back from his ESPN duties to focus on his family and respond to the allegations. He vowed to return by the start of the NFL preseason.
“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe posted on X. “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.”
Smith said he fully understood Sharpe’s decision to take time away.
“He helped elevate ‘First Take’ to another level,” Smith said. “It’s been a difficult week from a sports media perspective… it was a blow, a blow to the show, a blow to me personally, but it was not a surprise.”
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleges that Sharpe raped the woman on two occasions — last October and again in January — at her apartment. The woman, reportedly in her early 20s, claims they were in a relationship for about two years. According to the complaint, she cried out and pleaded for him to stop during the incidents.
Sharpe, who also hosts the popular podcast “Club Shay Shay,” has denied the allegations, maintaining that their relationship was consensual.
Support Amid Uncertainty
Throughout his statement, Smith stressed the importance of standing by friends during tough times, regardless of circumstances.
“That’s what friends do — they’re there to lift you up when nobody else will,” Smith said.
Sharpe’s departure leaves a noticeable void on First Take, but both ESPN and Smith are expressing hope for his eventual return after the legal matters are addressed.
