Shannon Sharpe Faces $50 Million Lawsuit Alleging Rape, Abuse

Retired NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is facing a civil lawsuit filed in Clark County, Nevada, alleging rape, physical abuse, and infliction of emotional distress by a woman identified as Jane Doe, as per The AP.

The lawsuit seeks $50 million in damages.

According to court documents filed on Sunday, Jane Doe, now 22, met Sharpe, 56, at a Los Angeles gym in 2023, beginning a nearly two-year relationship. The lawsuit claims Sharpe raped her on two separate occasions, in October 2024 and again in January 2025.

The complaint further accuses Sharpe of escalating verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and violence throughout their relationship. It alleges that Sharpe threatened to kill her and recorded their sexual encounters without her consent.

“Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity to their relationship, or called him out about his extraneous activities,” the lawsuit states. “Sharpe even figured out how to get into Doe’s apartment complex without her permission.”

Sharpe responded to the allegations on Monday via a statement from his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, posted on X. The statement vehemently denies the claims, characterizing the lawsuit as 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,” Davis’ statement read.

He maintained that the relationship between Sharpe and Jane Doe was consensual.

Shannon Sharpe is a former four-time All-Pro tight end who played 14 seasons in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens. He retired in 2003 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Upon retirement, he held the NFL records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a tight end.

Since retiring, Sharpe has enjoyed a prominent career in sports broadcasting, appearing on television and social media. He left FS1’s “Undisputed” in 2023 and subsequently joined ESPN.