Stephen A. Smith opened up about his "First Take" co-host Shannon Sharpe stepping away from the ESPN show following rape allegations that were filed in a lawsuit earlier this week. While speaking on his YouTube show Friday,

Stephen A. Smith is speaking out in strong support of his “First Take” co-host Shannon Sharpe, as Sharpe faces serious sexual assault allegations that have generated intense public scrutiny and media attention.

Smith said on his YouTube show that Sharpe is a friend, and that he hopes the suit gets resolved so that they can continue working together.