During an episode of his "Nightcap" podcast, Shannon Sharpe called out several "punk" NFL executives over a recent report.
Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe is voicing his displeasure with NFL executives after a recent report suggested some were in "disbelief" over a situation involving the former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired from the coveted GM position last Friday, according to new reports. One report also noted that Adofo-Mensah's decision to take parental leave during the 2023 season sparked conversation among league officials, who seemed stunned by Adofo-Mensah's decision.
While the Vikings have denied that Mensah's parental leave was the reason for his firing, social media users seem divided over the ordeal. During a new episode of his "Nightcap" podcast, Sharpe didn't hold back while sharing his feelings on the matter, either.
Former Minnesota Vikings GM Fired, Sparking Divided Reactions Online
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Adofo-Mensah was let go from the Vikings organization after four seasons as the team's general manager.
While initial reports didn't state why Adofo-Mensah was fired, The Athletic reported that a family decision he made during the 2023 season raised eyebrows among NFL executives.
The Athletic reported that Adofo-Mensah took two weeks of paternity leave after the birth of his first child in 2023, missing part of training camp, team meetings, and practices. The publication noted that Mensah worked remotely during the time.
Adofo-Mensah's Parental Leave Left NFL Execs In 'Disbelief,' Social Media And Shannon Sharpe Sound Off
There’s been a lot of conversation around Kwesi Adofo-Mensah taking paternity leave, largely because it’s still rare in the NFL.
But it’s important to note that the Minnesota Vikings supported him through the entire process and did not hold it against him in any way.
This was a… pic.twitter.com/b5D6V8svBI
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 1, 2026
NFL insider Dianna Russini said Adofo-Mensah's decision to take paternity leave left some NFL officials and executives in "disbelief."
"In an NFL culture where many players, coaches, and executives proudly acknowledge missing the births of their children, taking time away to care for a newborn and support a partner remains uncommon," Russini wrote.
Social media users seemed divided over the news, with one user writing on X, "If your organization can’t function effectively, missing a member, it just means you have a weak organization." Another user said, "If the Vikings didn't hold it against him in any way, why include it in an article detailing the reason(s) he was fired?"
Other users implied they were on Minnesota's side, with one sharing, "[Vikings] just get it right."
But they weren't the only viewers with something to say. Sharpe also chimed in on the topic, voicing his strong opinion and taking a bold swing at the Vikings and other NFL officials.
Shannon Sharpe Goes Off On 'Punk' NFL Officials Over Adofo-Mensah Drama
On a recent episode of his "Nightcap" podcast, Sharpe spoke out on the matter with his co-host, Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson, blasting those who might've had an issue with Adofo-Mensah tending to his wife after the birth of their first child.
Sharpe also questioned why some NFL executives would be upset with Mensah for taking time when he's not a crucial member of the team. "It's not like he's playing," Sharpe said. "It's not like he's the head coach."
Sharpe also slammed the Vikings organization for releasing information about Mensah's parental leave during the 2025/26 season after firing him, rather than drawing attention to it years earlier.
"You didn't mention it [then]," he said before coming at league leaders. "Execs around the league — shut the F up. I guarantee you if your wife was having a difficult pregnancy and it was her first child, your punk a**es would've been there."
Shannon Sharpe Reacts To Other Sports News During 'Nightcap'
During another episode, Sharpe also reacted to the breaking news about Paul George's suspension from the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug policy.
According to a report from The Blast, George received a 25-game suspension for taking an "improper medication" while dealing with a mental health issue.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process," George said.
While it's unclear what mental health issues George has been dealing with, Sharpe questioned whether suspending the athlete for taking medication related to his mental well-being was the right call.
On the other hand, Sharpe also noted that George had a personal and professional responsibility to check with his team and the league to ensure the unnamed medication was safe to use.
Other Star Athletes Speak Up Over PG's Suspension
Shaquille O'Neal shared a similar statement during an episode of "Inside the NBA," saying George's violation "should not happen."
Charles Barkley, on the other hand, seemed a bit more empathetic, suggesting there should be an "exception" for athletes taking medication for mental health concerns.
"There’s never a good reason to take a performance-enhancing drug. But if you’re taking a drug for your mental health, you should get a hall pass," Barkley said.
Category: General Sports
