Shannon Sharpe, former NFL star turned sports analyst, faces multiple accusations of sexual assault and defamation as a second woman files a lawsuit alleging a 2010 rape and subsequent threats.
At a Glance
- Michele Bundy Evans has filed a $4 million defamation lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe, which includes allegations of rape from 2010
- This is the second sexual assault lawsuit against Sharpe, following a $50 million claim from a woman identified as Jane Doe
- Evans claims Sharpe threatened to ruin her reputation if she disclosed the alleged assault
- Sharpe denies all allegations, calling Evans’ claims “ridiculous and completely without merit”
- Sharpe has taken a temporary leave from ESPN’s “First Take” to address the allegations
Multiple Allegations Surface Against Former NFL Star
Shannon Sharpe, Hall of Fame tight end and ESPN sports analyst, now faces serious allegations from two separate women. Michele Bundy Evans has filed a $4 million defamation lawsuit against Sharpe, which includes disturbing claims of rape stemming from a 2010 incident. The lawsuit alleges that Sharpe sexually assaulted Evans following an argument about his alleged infidelity and subsequently threatened her to remain silent about the incident.
Evans’ lawsuit follows closely behind another civil case filed against Sharpe by a woman identified only as Jane Doe, who is seeking $50 million in damages for alleged ongoing abuse. According to court documents, Evans claims she previously sought a temporary restraining order against Sharpe in 2010, which was later dropped. The recent legal action was triggered after Sharpe allegedly discussed their previous legal dispute during a television appearance.
Detailed Allegations and Sharpe’s Response
In her lawsuit, Evans provides explicit details of the alleged 2010 assault, claiming Sharpe forced her into non-consensual sexual acts. She further alleges that following the incident, Sharpe made threatening statements regarding her reputation and public image if she disclosed what had occurred. The lawsuit includes claims of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress during what Evans describes as a two-year relationship.
Sharpe’s legal representatives have firmly denied Evans’ allegations, noting that she has a criminal record including time served for a 2017 domestic incident. They also stated that Sharpe “has had no contact with her for many years.” The former NFL player has taken a similarly defensive stance against the allegations from Jane Doe, characterizing that lawsuit as a “shakedown” and announcing plans to countersue for defamation.
Contrasting Claims and Evidence
The Jane Doe case has generated additional controversy with both parties releasing potentially damaging evidence. Doe’s attorney has made public an audio recording allegedly featuring Sharpe making threats, while Sharpe’s legal team has released explicit text messages purportedly between him and Doe that they claim demonstrate a consensual relationship. Sharpe’s attorneys have characterized the interactions as consensual role-playing between adults.
Both parties acknowledge the existence of a sex tape, with Sharpe’s team alleging that Doe demanded money to prevent its publication. Court documents indicate that Sharpe allegedly offered Doe $10 million to settle the issue before the lawsuit was filed. The case has drawn significant public attention, with various audio clips and text messages becoming part of the public record.
Professional Impact and Next Steps
Amidst the mounting legal challenges, Sharpe has announced a temporary leave from his role on ESPN’s “First Take.” In a public statement, he indicated his intention to address the allegations and plans to return to his broadcasting duties at the start of the NFL preseason. ESPN has issued a statement supporting Sharpe’s decision to step away temporarily while he focuses on his legal situation.
The allegations against Sharpe come at a time when he had been building a strong media presence following his departure from Fox Sports in 2023. The former NFL star joined ESPN last year and has also developed a significant following through his “Club Shay Shay” podcast. Both lawsuits remain in their early stages, with potential for significant developments as they proceed through the legal system.
