Everyone’s favourite TV ‘Unc’ Shannon Sharpe will continue to work at ESPN alongside Stephen A Smith on First Take, despite claims that his recent social media fiasco would land the acclaimed ex-NFL player in trouble, says reports.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame member Sharpe made headlines all over for all the wrong reasons, as his recent ‘accident’ left him embarrassed.
Sharpe “threw his phone on the bed” before engaging in coitus a couple days back, leading to a mishap where the entire activity was broadcast live on Instagram where more than 3 million followers became privy to his intimate session.
The clip went viral on Wednesday with Sharpe initially claiming that his social media accounts were hacked, before ultimately fessing up and admitting that it was an accident on his personal front.
Much debate broke out over whether Sharpe would face any consequences on the professional end from ESPN, under whom he is contracted currently, appearing alongside Stephen A Smith on the popular sports debate show ‘First Take’.
Sharpe, who’s been with ESPN since 2023, just recently signed a contract extension to stay with the network — agreeing back in June to continue debating Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” for the foreseeable future.
Many more were intrigued about the status of his employment after Sharpe failed to make an appearance on the Thursday’s broadcast of the show as well.
But according to internal sources, Sharpe is expected back on Monday, and no punishment whatsoever is coming his way.
And as for his absense on Thursday, it was clarified that Sharpe’s usual days off are Thursdays and Fridays.
The retired NFL legend, on Wednesday, admitted that he was “embarrassed” after the explicit video went live on Instagram.
“I am embarrassed. Someone that is extremely private, and to have one of your most intimate details, the audio heard for the entire world? I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons… I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act but to have your most intimate detail heard,” Sharpe said on his show ‘Nightcap’.
Sharpe felt the incident has let a lot of people down.
“I always try to be professional, even when I’m behind closed doors. I think there are millions and billions of people of consenting age who engage in activities, but for the audio to be heard I’m disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down,” the 56-year-old added.
It was his marketing partner Jamie Fritz who first informed Sharpe about the live video.
“My phone wasn’t hacked. It wasn’t a prank, it was me being a healthy, active male,” the NFL legend remarked.
Read More: Shannon Sharpe Not Facing Any Disciplinary Action From ESPN After X-Rated Instagram Live
