Shannon Sharpe is making the most of a viral incident that occurred after he mistakenly posted an Instagram Live video featuring audio of an intimate moment with an unnamed woman. The ESPN personality, who returned to his regular spot on “First Take” on Monday, has since capitalized on the moment with a line of merchandise seemingly referencing the mishap.
Sharpe’s clothing brand, “EIGHTYFOUR,” released a series of t-shirts that appeared to allude to the now-infamous viral event. On Monday, the brand advertised a $32 shirt emblazoned with the message “69 Michelle” and “Official Fuel of Nightcap,” a playful design inspired by the 76 gas station logo and NASCAR branding. The shirt, cheekily named the “69 Fuel Tee,” sold out quickly before it, along with other items, was removed from the website later in the day.
Another shirt, priced at $32, featured the phrases “That’s My Michelle” and “Nightcap Film Dept.” It too was pulled from the site after selling out. Additional shirts with slogans like “Nightclap” and “I gave it everything I had!”—seemingly referencing Sharpe’s viral mishap—also disappeared from the store’s listings.
Despite the swift sellout of the merchandise, Sharpe and his team have yet to comment publicly on the t-shirts or their connection to the viral incident.
The controversy surrounding Sharpe’s Instagram Live unfolded last Wednesday when the former NFL star addressed the situation on his “Nightcap” podcast, co-hosted by fellow former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. In the since-deleted Instagram Live, which did not show any visuals but captured audio, a male voice could be heard saying, “That’s my Michelle,” sparking widespread attention. On the podcast, Johnson lightheartedly commented that he was relieved “it was a Michelle” involved and “not a Michael.”
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Sharpe, taking accountability for the mistake, admitted his embarrassment but also joked about the situation. “It was me being a healthy, active male,” Sharpe said. “Y’all thought I was bulljiving. Hey, Unc get it in. Real talk.” He explained that he had accidentally activated Instagram Live while tossing his phone on the bed during a private moment. “I’ve never turned IG Live on, so I don’t know how it works,” he explained. “All of a sudden, my other phone started going off.”
Though Sharpe expressed disappointment in himself for inadvertently sharing such a personal moment, he maintained his humor about the incident. “Someone that is extremely, extremely private and to have one of your most intimate details – the audio – heard for the entire world to hear, I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons,” he said.
Notably, Sharpe did not address the viral video during his return to “First Take” on Monday, and ESPN has opted not to take any disciplinary action against him. According to a report from TMZ Sports, the network will not penalize the Hall of Famer for the Instagram Live incident.
While some fans were curious about Sharpe’s absence from “First Take” late last week, it turns out that Sharpe typically does not appear on the show on Thursdays and Fridays. His absence fueled speculation, but his return on Monday put those rumors to rest.
Sharpe continues to navigate the aftermath of the incident with a blend of humor and humility, and despite the embarrassment, he seems determined to turn the page and maintain his place as a beloved sports commentator and personality.
