Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe accused of sexual assault in $50 million lawsuit

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has been accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit filed in a Nevada court, according to multiple reports.

The lawsuit was filed as Front Office Sports reported that Sharpe was negotiating a $100 million contract for his popular line of podcasts. “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” with former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, are among the most popular sports shows on YouTube and other streaming platforms.

A woman identified only as “Jane Doe” claimed in the lawsuit that she had a two-year relationship with Sharpe that was consensual but “rocky.” She is seeking a $50 million settlement.

Sharpe on Monday posted a statement from his lawyer on X saying the relationship was consensual and calling the lawsuit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down” Sharpe for millions of dollars.

“It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed,” Lanny J. Davis said in the statement posted by Sharpe.

This article is based in part on wire service reports.