NFL legend Shannon Sharpe hit with shocking sexual assault lawsuit

Shannon Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion and popular media personality, has been accused of sexual assault in a newly filed lawsuit in Nevada. The legal filing, brought forth by a 20-year-old woman who claims to have had a nearly two-year relationship with Sharpe, alleges disturbing patterns of manipulation, control, and sexual violence.

According to the lawsuit, the woman first met Shannon Sharpe in 2023 at a gym in Los Angeles. She was 19 at the time. Their relationship, which the complaint describes as “rocky but consensual” at first, allegedly turned abusive. The accuser claims that Sharpe used his fame, influence, and wealth to dominate her psychologically and physically, ultimately leading to several instances of sexual assault. The most recent alleged incident reportedly occurred in January 2025.

The plaintiff, who remains unnamed in the filing, alleges that Shannon Sharpe not only sexually assaulted her but also recorded some of their intimate encounters without her knowledge or consent. The lawsuit further claims that Sharpe shared these videos with friends and associates, compounding the trauma and violation.

The civil suit seeks over $50 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The plaintiff’s legal team, led by attorney Tony Buzbee, argues that Sharpe’s actions represent a pattern of behavior that is deeply exploitative and predatory.

Shannon Sharpe Responds: “This Is a Shakedown”

In response to the lawsuit, Shannon Sharpe has strongly denied all allegations, calling the case a “shakedown.” In a video statement posted to his Instagram account on Tuesday evening, Sharpe addressed the accusations head-on. “This is a shakedown,” he said. “I’m going to be open, transparent, and defend myself, because this isn’t right.”

Sharpe, 56, also accused attorney Tony Buzbee of filing a fraudulent claim. He indicated that he may pursue a countersuit for defamation. “I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine,” Sharpe stated. He urged Buzbee to release the full video, claiming it would prove his innocence. “That video should actually be 10 minutes or so,” Sharpe said. “I don’t have it, or I would release it myself.”

Tony Buzbee is no stranger to high-profile legal cases. He previously represented clients in major lawsuits, including several women who accused NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct. He also represented a woman who once accused rapper Jay-Z of misconduct, although that particular claim was later rescinded.

While the lawsuit includes only one plaintiff, the filing makes a broader implication that Shannon Sharpe may have harmed others. However, it does not provide specific details or names regarding additional alleged victims.

The legal document paints a grim picture of the relationship. It alleges that Sharpe was “aggressive” and that he often threatened the woman with violence. “After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of ‘no,'” the lawsuit reads.

This is not the first time Shannon Sharpe has faced public scrutiny related to his personal life. Last year, the former NFL tight end unintentionally livestreamed an audio recording of an intimate moment with a partner to his millions of Instagram followers. He later apologized, explaining that he had accidentally activated the platform’s “Live” feature. At the time, the incident drew widespread criticism and raised concerns about his conduct online.

Despite these controversies, Shannon Sharpe remains a powerful figure in sports media. His podcast, Club Shay Shay, boasts more than 4 million subscribers, and reports suggest he is in negotiations for a $100 million deal to expand his growing media network. Sharpe has also remained a visible figure in television broadcasting, known for his bold takes and charismatic presence.

Sharpe played 14 seasons in the National Football League, earning three Super Bowl rings and establishing himself as one of the premier tight ends of his era. In recognition of his on-field achievements, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Following his retirement, he transitioned into broadcasting and later launched a successful digital media career.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to generate significant attention, not just because of the serious nature of the allegations, but also due to Sharpe’s high-profile status in both the sports and entertainment worlds. While he has denied all wrongdoing, the legal process will determine the outcome of the claims.

At this stage, Shannon Sharpe has not been criminally charged. The case remains a civil matter, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.