Shannon Sharpe’s future on ESPN’s “First Take” may be in jeopardy after he was accused of rape and battery. Sharpe’s co-host, Stephen A. Smith, addressed the legal battle on his eponymous podcast Tuesday,

Stephen A. Smith says his bosses at ESPN are currently mulling Shannon Sharpe's "First Take" future ... in the wake of the explosive rape lawsuit that was levied against the ex-NFL star earlier this month.

Shannon Sharpe's accuser's lawyer has released new audio in which you can hear the ESPN commentator threatening to choke the woman in public -- but the Pro Football Hall of Famer's team is adamant it's not what it sounds like.