ESPN has parted ways with Pro Football Hall of Famer and media analyst Shannon Sharpe less than two weeks after he reached a confidential settlement with an ex-girlfriend who had accused him of rape, according to multiple reports first published by The Athletic. The civil suit, filed in Nevada in April, sought US$50 million for alleged emotional and psychological harm. The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced on 18 July that the case had been resolved and dismissed with prejudice, preventing it from being refiled. Sharpe, 57, had been off ESPN airwaves since late April but had said he expected to return for the start of NFL training camp. The network declined to comment on whether the lawsuit influenced its decision. Sharpe continues to host his independent podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” ventures that industry reports have valued at as much as US$100 million.