An alleged audio recording has intensified the legal battle between NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and a woman accusing him of sexual assault.
The recording was released by the accuser’s attorney Tony Buzbee. It purportedly captures Sharpe threatening to “choke the sh*t” out of the woman during a heated phone conversation. In the exchange, Sharpe allegedly responds to the woman’s plea not to be choked. He stated, “Yes, you do. I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.”
Timeline of Allegations Against Shannon Sharpe
The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, filed a $50 million civil lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada. She alleges that Sharpe sexually assaulted her twice—once in October 2024 and again in January 2025.
The two reportedly met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023, initiating a consensual relationship that later became tumultuous. The lawsuit claims that Sharpe became increasingly controlling and abusive. The exchanges reportedly culminated in the alleged assaults.
One incident reportedly occurred after Sharpe inadvertently livestreamed himself with another woman, leading to heightened tensions between him and the accuser.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, has categorically denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit as a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.” Davis asserts that the relationship was consensual and that the claims are filled with “lies, distortions, and misrepresentations.”
Shannon Sharpe’s Media Ventures and Ownership
Beyond his NFL legacy, Shannon Sharpe has established a significant presence in sports media. He co-hosts ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith, contributing to the show’s dynamic discussions. Sharpe also leads the popular podcast “Club Shay Shay,” which features interviews with athletes and celebrities, and has garnered millions of views.
In addition, Sharpe co-hosts “Nightcap” with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Gilbert Arenas, a podcast that delves into sports and pop culture topics. Both podcasts are produced under his media company, Shay Shay Media, in partnership with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume network. This collaboration has expanded Sharpe’s influence in the digital media landscape, with reports suggesting a potential $100 million podcasting deal in the works.
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