India, July 31 -- Shannon Sharpe and ESPN have parted ways, days after the former tight end settled a rape lawsuit with an unidentified woman who accused him of sexual assault during their relationship. However, the 57-year-old was not fired immediately. In a statement to The New York Post at the time, ESPN said that Sharpe decided to 'step away'.

"This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away," ESPN told The Post in a statement at the time. It is unclear how Sharpe's relationship with ESPN came to an end.

Only earlier this month, Shannon Sharpe reached a settlement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The Pro Football Hall of Famer had stepped away from his television duties to address the la...