Meek Mill is walking back a comment that sparked backlash across the internet after NFL icon Shannon Sharpe’s sudden departure from ESPN.
The Philly rapper, known as much for his bars as his tweets, took to social media earlier this week to comment on the news of Shannon Sharpe being let go from ESPN—but his attempt at humor didn’t land well with fans. And now, Meek is setting the record straight.
The Tweet That Set It Off
The drama began when Meek Mill replied to a post about Sharpe’s ESPN exit with a seemingly shady remark:
“Y’all too old to be getting fired fr…..” Meek posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The tweet quickly went viral—but not for the right reasons. While some laughed it off as classic Meek sarcasm, many saw it as disrespectful, especially given Sharpe’s legendary status in the sports world and the sensitive timing of his departure.
Critics flooded the comments, accusing Meek of lacking empathy, being tone-deaf, and forgetting his own past missteps and controversies.
Meek Backtracks: “We See Him As a GOAT!”
After the backlash reached boiling point, Meek returned to X to clarify his intentions and offer a more respectful take on Sharpe’s legacy.
“I was being sarcastic with that tweet about Shannon Sharpe,” Meek wrote. “We see him as a GOAT! He shouldn’t be able to get fired from anything…”
He went on to acknowledge how Sharpe’s influence as a media personality made him forget just how iconic he truly is.
“Seeing him talk about others almost made me forget that’s Shannon Sharpe, the legend! I understand why they tell me get off Twitter!”
The rapper’s self-deprecating jab at his own social media habits got some fans back on his side, but the situation highlighted a recurring theme in Meek’s public image: his unfiltered tweets often get him into hot water.
️ Shannon Sharpe Breaks His Silence
Sharpe addressed the situation himself—though not Meek directly—on the latest episode of his Nightcap podcast, which aired on Thursday, July 31.
“Obviously, I’m sure everybody’s heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN,” he shared. “I found out this information a little earlier in the week…”
Sharpe then opened up about the timing of the announcement, which overlapped with a major personal milestone: his brother Sterling Sharpe’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“My brother’s going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really wanted it to be about him, and I wanted it to be about my family,” Sharpe said.
⚖️ The Bigger Picture: Lawsuit, Controversy, and ESPN Fallout
While ESPN has not publicly linked Shannon Sharpe’s departure to any specific issue, a major cloud hangs over the situation: a civil lawsuit filed in April 2025 by Gabriella Zuniga, an OnlyFans model who accused Sharpe of sexual assault, rape, and emotional abuse during a two-year relationship.
The case was settled privately in July, with no criminal charges filed and no admission of guilt. Sources close to the situation say the settlement could have reached $23 million, though details remain confidential.
Although Sharpe has vehemently denied all allegations, the legal storm may have contributed to ESPN’s decision to part ways with the sports personality, who co-hosted First Take and was a frequent panelist on high-profile shows.
Sharpe has not addressed the lawsuit directly on his podcast or social media.
A History of Meek and Misfired Tweets
This isn’t the first time Meek Mill has caught heat for speaking too soon — or without enough context — online. In fact, the rapper’s Twitter history includes:
- Calling out fellow artists, including Drake, for “not writing their own raps” (which sparked the now-iconic feud).
- Joking about the pandemic during early lockdown days.
- Making tone-deaf comments about Kobe Bryant shortly after his passing.
Each time, Meek has had to double back with apologies or clarifications, leading some fans to joke that “Twitter is Meek’s worst enemy.”
“He stays losing the plot online, but at least he always owns up to it eventually,” one fan wrote on Instagram.
Fan Reactions: “He Meant No Harm, But…”
The internet had mixed reactions to Meek’s apology. While some fans appreciated the clarification, others felt the initial comment was still out of line, especially given Sharpe’s public profile and current challenges.
“Meek meant no harm but this ain’t the time for jokes,” one user wrote.
“We gotta learn when to just log off,” another posted.
“Shannon Sharpe getting fired is crazy, and Meek cracking jokes? Nah,” said one TikTok commenter.
Still, some fans were willing to let it slide.
“Meek stays being unserious online but we know he got love for Shannon,” one user replied. “We all say dumb stuff sometimes.”
What’s Next for Shannon Sharpe?
Sharpe may be parting ways with ESPN, but don’t expect him to disappear from the spotlight anytime soon.
- He still co-hosts the Nightcap podcast, which has seen a massive uptick in listeners.
- There’s speculation that Netflix or Amazon may be courting him for sports commentary.
- And fans are calling for a full rebrand into an independent media mogul like Joe Rogan or Skip Bayless.
Sharpe’s brother, Sterling, being honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week adds a personal silver lining amid the professional turbulence.
The Lesson: Know When to Joke, Know When to Listen
While Meek Mill’s tweet may have come from a place of sarcasm, the incident serves as a reminder of how sensitive timing and tone are online — especially when dealing with public figures in complex situations.
As for Meek? He seems to know that sometimes it’s best to log off.
“I understand why they tell me get off Twitter,” he admitted.
And honestly? He’s not wrong.
What do YOU think about Meek Mill’s tweet and Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN exit? Was it blown out of proportion or bad timing? Sound off in the comments — and keep it locked on The Pop Radar (TPR) for your daily dose of celebrity drama, clapbacks, and culture-breaking news.
