The media personality emphasizes that he believes Sharpe is "absolutely" not guilty of the allegations made within the $50 million rape lawsuit against him The post ‘First Take’ Host Stephen A. Smith Says Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN Leave Is ‘A Blow to Me Personally’ – but Not a Surprise appeared first on TheWrap.

Smith said on his YouTube show that Sharpe is a friend, and that he hopes the suit gets resolved so that they can continue working together.

EXCLUSIVE: Shannon Sharpe will almost certainly not be returning to ESPN’s First Take next week. With rape allegations, a $50 million lawsuit, and a derailed multi-million dollar settlement surrounding the NFL Hall of Farmer the Jimmy Pitaro-run cable sports outlet has decided to bench Sharpe from his regular Monday and Tuesday slot on the Stephen