NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Las Vegas, NV – April 21, 2025 – Pro Football Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe is at the center of a high-profile lawsuit filed in Nevada state court, accusing him of multiple instances of sexual assault and battery. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” alleges that Sharpe, 56, raped her on several occasions between late 2024 and early 2025, following what she describes as a years long abusive relationship. The lawsuit, which seeks at least $50 million in damages, has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment industries.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports, the 13-page civil complaint details a disturbing pattern of abuse, manipulation, and sexual misconduct. The plaintiff, who was 20 years old when she met Sharpe in 2023 at a Los Angeles gym, claims the former NFL star coerced her using his celebrity status and ignored her boundaries. The lawsuit alleges that Sharpe secretly recorded their sexual encounters without her consent and shared the videos with others, further violating her privacy. The complaint also states that in October 2024, after Doe attempted to end the relationship, Sharpe confronted her, leading to an alleged forcible sexual assault despite her repeated protests.

Just days before the lawsuit was filed, Sharpe was in the headlines for negotiating a potential $100 million media deal for his popular platforms, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap Podcast, as noted by Sports Illustrated. The timing of the lawsuit has raised questions about the impact on his burgeoning media empire.

NBC Sports highlights that the plaintiff is represented by attorneys Micah Nash and Tony Buzbee, the latter known for representing over 20 plaintiffs in lawsuits against NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2021. The complaint accuses Sharpe of assault, sexual assault, battery, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It alleges that Sharpe threatened to “brutally choke and violently slap” Doe, who is more than 30 years younger than him, and refused to accept her refusal of consent.

Sharpe has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations, and his representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

The case is poised to become a highly publicized legal battle, with potential ramifications for Sharpe’s career and reputation.

Sources: TMZ Sports, NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated

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