A long‑running civil lawsuit accusing NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe of rape and related misconduct has been officially dismissed—with prejudice—ending the high‑stakes legal drama.
Settlement Brings Lawsuit to a Close
Sharpe, 57, was sued in April by a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” who sought $50 million in damages. She alleged Sharpe raped her during their nearly two-year relationship, beginning late 2023 through early 2025. On July 18, attorney Tony Buzbee confirmed the case has been closed and cannot be refiled. “All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed,” Buzbee said.
The lawsuit, filed in Clark County, Nevada, included accusations of rape, threats, and secret recordings. Jane Doe alleged two separate sexual assaults in October 2024 and January 2025. She also claimed Sharpe threatened violence and secretly filmed sexual encounters.
Settled Out of Court, Terms Still Confidential
No terms of the settlement have been publicly disclosed. Buzbee noted negotiations were “protracted and respectful,” leading to a mutual agreement. Sharpe’s legal team, led by Lanny J. Davis, had previously revealed the athlete offered a “tens of millions” dollar settlement—reportedly around $10 million—before the lawsuit was filed.
Sharpe maintained from the outset that the relationship was consensual. He called the claims a “shakedown” orchestrated by Buzbee and denied any rape occurred. Davis also released intimate text messages to support their version of events.
Career Impact and Public Reactions
Sharpe temporarily stepped away from ESPN in late April amid the lawsuit. He said he planned to return by the NFL preseason, and with the case now concluded, that seems increasingly likely. His roles have included appearances on “First Take,” “Club Shay Shay” podcast, and “Nightcap” tour.
Reactions to the settlement have been mixed. Some critics argue that the confidential resolution denies true accountability. Michele Evans, another accuser in a separate lawsuit filed in New York, criticized the outcome, saying: “He’s free from being held accountable… It’s confusing.”
Others celebrated Sharpe’s ability to move forward. The Shade Room notes that social media users expressed relief and urged Sharpe to “keep it clean” going forward.
What “Dismissed With Prejudice” Means
A dismissal “with prejudice” means the plaintiff cannot re-open the same claims. It brings finality to the matter. Such dismissals typically follow settlement agreements that prevent the dispute from returning before a court.