Shannon Sharpe Jokes His 'Pockets Are Light' Following Sexual Assault Settlement

Shannon Sharpe has made light of his recent sexual assault settlement, telling his friend and podcast co-host Ochocinco he's currently a little "light" in the pockets.

Last month, it was revealed that the NFL Hall of Famer's civil case had ended in a settlement that resolved all claims. He was accused of sexual assault and sexual battery, and the plaintiff was seeking a reported $50 million in damages.

In a statement released at the time by attorney Tony Buzbee, who was representing the anonymous plaintiff, he confirmed that "after protracted and respectful negotiations, we have reached a mutually agreed‑upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice."

On the latest episode of Sharpe's Nightcap podcast with co-host Ochocinco, the former ESPN analyst made a joke about collecting personal debts owed to him because he wasn't as flush as he was before the settlement.

While talking about Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his stubborn approach to paying people on his time, Sharpe said the billionaire businessman was similar to his co-host in that regard.

"I'll pay you when I get ready," Sharpe said, mimicking Jones, before addressing Ocho. "Like you do me. Like you owe me [$]5,900. You basically told me, 'I'mma pay you when I get ready.'"

"I ain't say that," Ocho snapped back.

"No, your actions did," Sharpe said, before Ocho told his co-host he didn't like being compared to Jerry Jones.

Sharpe then revealed Ocho's debt is "coming up on a year" and that there's a "penalty for being late." After Ocho said he's got the cash and still plans to pay Sharpe back, the latter told his co-host: "See, you got it, but I need to get it."

Sharpe then joked about his pockets being 'light right now,' insinuating it was due to having to pay a large sum of money to his sexual assault accuser.

Sharpe was met with big laughter from Ochocinco, who told his friend: "That's why I love you. That's what I need. C'mon back home to me. That's what I need. Thank you. That's the Shannon I need... We gon' be alright."

It was revealed last week that ESPN had cut ties with Shannon Sharpe less than two weeks after settling his sexual assault lawsuit.

Sharpe, who has been off the air since late April when the suit was first filed, had said at the time he would return for the NFL preseason.

"At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties," Sharpe wrote at the time. "I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason. I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues."

Prior to his departure, Sharpe denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “blatant set-up” and a "shakedown."

After retiring from the NFL, Sharpe enjoyed a media career with hosting gigs on FS1’s Undisputed before joining ESPN’s First Take. He currently hosts the podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, both distributed by The Volume.

Before the lawsuit, Sharpe was reportedly nearing a podcast deal worth up to $100 million, per The Athletic.