Sharpe is facing accusations of sexual assault and battery, so how will the lawsuit affect his employment at ESPN?

Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe said Thursday he is stepping away temporarily from his ESPN duties while he deals with what he called false allegations in a $50 million civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman who alleges he raped and threatened her.

Hall of Fame tight end and media personality Shannon Sharpe has issued a new statement in the aftermath of the lawsuit filed against him on Sunday.