The powerful ESPN is owned by Disney, a company that is very liberal when it comes to producing diverse content and trying to send a message of inclusion, but for many things is extremely conservative and does not allow anyone who works for them to do or say “inappropriate” things.

The most recent is Shannon Sharpe, who has found himself in hot water after an embarrassing incident involving an explicit audio clip shared on his Instagram Live. As Sharpe faces public scrutiny, many are questioning whether this will cost him his job at ESPN, similar to how Paul Pierce was fired in 2021. The comparison between these two cases raises important questions about ESPN’s consistency when handling such controversies.

Sharpe’s explicit Instagram live incident

Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Fame NFL player and now ESPN contributor, mistakenly livestreamed audio of him having sex to his 3.2 million Instagram followers. The video, which Sharpe initially claimed was the result of a hack, quickly went viral, leading to widespread embarrassment. On his podcast Nightcap with Chad Ochocinco Johnson, Sharpe admitted, “I’m disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down.”

He explained that the incident happened unintentionally: “I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity. I did not know IG Live.” While this was a personal and professional misstep, Sharpe’s apology came across as genuine, and he seems to be taking the matter seriously.

Will Sharpe lose his job at ESPN?

The big question remains: will Sharpe be fired from ESPN for this incident? So far, there is no indication that ESPN plans to cut ties with him, though Sharpe has engaged in damage control, speaking with his bosses and family. The situation is still developing, but it doesn’t seem like he will be immediately terminated.

Sharpe’s situation inevitably draws comparisons to Paul Pierce’s firing from ESPN in 2021. Pierce was let go after live-streaming a video of himself playing cards with friends while exotic dancers were present in the background. Despite the less explicit nature of Sharpe’s video, the public is still wondering whether ESPN will treat both situations equally.

Comparing to Paul Pierce’s firing

Paul Pierce‘s firing was swift and left little room for second chances. ESPN decided that his video-though relatively tame compared to Sharpe’s audio-was grounds for dismissal. Some fans believe Sharpe’s actions, which seem more explicit, should merit similar consequences. However, there’s a notable difference: Sharpe has only been with ESPN for a short time, having signed a multi-year deal earlier this year, whereas Pierce was a long-term contributor.

As one fan noted, “People have been fired for a lot less.” Sharpe’s incident is arguably more embarrassing, but his long-standing sports media career and reputation may give him a layer of protection that Pierce didn’t have.

ESPN’s history of firings

ESPN has let go of several high-profile personalities over the years for various reasons. Here are some notable names:

• Paul Pierce – Fired in 2021 after live-streaming a video with exotic dancers while playing cards with friends.
• Curt Schilling – Fired in 2016 for making controversial social media posts, including anti-transgender comments.
• Jemele Hill – Left in 2018 after criticizing President Trump and disagreements with the network’s approach to handling political commentary.
• Bill Simmons – Let go in 2015 after repeatedly criticizing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
• Keith Olbermann – Left ESPN in 2015 after a series of political controversies, including criticisms of Penn State and disagreements with management.
• Tony Kornheiser – Suspended in 2010 and later left after making comments about colleague Hannah Storm’s wardrobe.
• Rob Parker – Fired in 2013 after questioning the “blackness” of NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III on First Take.
• Rush Limbaugh – Resigned in 2003 after making racially insensitive comments about Donovan McNabb while working as an NFL analyst.
• Chris Broussard – Left in 2016 after facing backlash for controversial comments regarding homosexuality.
• Adrienne Lawrence – Left ESPN after filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against the network in 2018.

While Sharpe’s job appears safe for now, the situation could change if ESPN decides to take a harder stance. As it stands, the incident seems to be regarded as a personal mistake rather than a fireable offense, but Sharpe will need to tread carefully moving forward.