Shannon Sharpe was a rising force in sports media, but his ascent came to a sudden halt this week after ESPN announced it was parting ways with the Pro Football Hall of Famer. The network’s decision followed a settlement of $50 million lawsuit over allegations of forceful intimate act, sparking widespread conversation online.
Now some fans are wondering if this fall from grace might have been avoided had Sharpe heeded earlier warnings from comedians Katt Williams and Mo’Nique about the dangers tied to his dating life.
The 57-year-old media personality had joined ESPN’s “First Take” in fall 2023 after departing FS1’s “Undisputed” earlier that year. However, his trajectory took a devastating turn when civil allegations surfaced in April, filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe in Nevada state court, accusing him of multiple offenses, including violence and battery, allegedly committed between late 2024 and early 2025.
The plaintiff, later identified as Gabrielle Zuniga, who also goes by Karli online, claimed she met Sharpe when she was between 19 and 22 years old at a Los Angeles gym. According to the complaint, what began as a “rocky consensual relationship” allegedly evolved into something sinister, with Zuniga asserting that Sharpe “demanded complete control over her time and body.”
As news of his termination broke, social media erupted with commentary from those who had seemingly predicted this outcome.
When the New York Post posted the story, one reader responded: “I can see Kat Williams now, just twiddling his fingers together, as if he saw it all coming, and was forewarning sharp but he didn’t listen. Honestly, though that girl is ridiculous. We read the messages and I do not believe rape was involved. That girl knew exactly what she was doing by acting as if she wanted the dirtiest of the dirt dirt and then when it got a little intense, she said it was too much.”
The prescient warnings stem from memorable appearances by comedians Katt Williams and Mo’Nique on Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast.
During Williams’ January 2024 interview, the comedian cautioned about the dangers of interracial relationships, particularly after witnessing actor Jonathan Majors’ career destruction.
“I didn’t want to get with a white woman because I was scared she might have me running down the street like Jonathan,” Williams warned, while Sharpe dismissed the concern with “Come on, Katt!”
Williams pressed further: “You could be Kang the Conqueror and they could take your rabbit down in two weekends and that’s the truth of the matter. So I would say, ‘Stay away from that.’ You see Jonathan Majors, what he went through.”
Weeks later, Mo’Nique delivered the most direct advice during her February 2024 podcast appearance, addressing Sharpe’s dating habits with the frankness of a concerned relative.
“You better take your old a— and get somebody to love you. Let me tell you what Shannon need. You don’t need no 26-year-old girl. You don’t need no 36-year-old girl,” she said.
Shannon Sharpe ain’t to listen to Mo’nique’s advice and it cost him his ESPN job…
— (@DiaryOfKeysus) July 30, 2025
When Sharpe protested with “I do,” Mo’Nique cut him off: “This is your auntie talking to you. Take your old a— and get you an old b-tch out there that can love you old. You trying to hang out with these young b—ches and you can’t do it, Shannon! You just can’t do it!”
Social media users didn’t miss the connection between the warnings and current events.
When The Neighborhood Talk posted coverage of the story, its readers weighed in with pointed observations.
“Katt & Mo’Nique was LITERALLY on his show trying to warn him. It’s ALWAYS a warning before destruction!! Always!!” said one person.
The sentiment was further echoed when one person tweeted, “Shannon Sharpe ain’t to listen to Mo’nique’s advice and it cost him his ESPN job.”
A third said, “She retired and he got fired,” referring to claims Zuniga stepped away from a popular subscription-based platform known for exclusive, often risqué content after settling with Sharpe for an undisclosed amount.
After reaching a settlement with Shannon Sharpe, Gabriella Zuniga — the OnlyFans model who accused him of sexual assault — has announced her retirement from the platform. pic.twitter.com/qmcgOFkNkT
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 20, 2025
Reports indicate that Sharpe’s legal team attempted to settle for $10 million during mediation, but Zuniga “suddenly without warning, walked away” from the offer.
A few Daily Mail readers even took a jab at his former co-worker, writing, “I know Skip ain’t set him up lol.”
Another said, “Imagine he did all that to get away from Skip on Fox only to go over to ESPN a “Family” company and act out… and now he’s left with the thing y’all praised him so much for and that his podcast… A sad fall from what was an ascending career after the NFL.”
Sharpe and Skip Bayless fell out after a tense 2022 on-air moment where Bayless disrespected Sharpe while defending Tom Brady. The exchange turned personal, with Sharpe later admitting he nearly fought Bayless. Their strained dynamic led Sharpe to leave “Undisputed” in 2023, and the show’s ratings tanked until Bayless also exited in 2024.
Sharpe stepped away from ESPN in April, stating he would be “devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.” However, the network ultimately severed their relationship.
Despite the fall from grace, Sharpe continues to host his “Club Shay Shay” podcast and “Nightcap” with Chad Ochocinco, which are available everywhere, including on YouTube.
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