Updated on July 9, 2025, to reflect Shannon Share’s court date.
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has yet to file a response to the sexual assault case filed against him in April for $50 million. The former tight end for the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens has denied the allegations, referring to the lawsuit as a “shakedown.”
Pro Football Talk reported on Sunday that Sharpe has not filed a formal response to the sexual assault allegations in court. After the initial media firestorm, the case went quiet. However, the lawsuit is moving forward. Shannon Sharpe will appear in the Clark County, Nevada court on Wednesday.
The complaint was filed in Clark County, Nevada court claims Shannon Sharpe committed sexual assault, battery, sexual battery, and engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress during a ‘rocky consensual relationship’ that lasted nearly two years with a woman more than thirty years younger than him.”
The plaintiff, referred to as “Jane Doe,” alleges that Sharpe brutally sexually assaulted her several times at the end of 2024 and continued in 2025. Jane Doe is accusing Shannon Sharpe of being overtly “controlling and manipulative” during their relationship. The complaint accuses him of “repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her.”
“One time specifically, he was yelling at her while there was a firearm visible in his room,” the complaint states. “Terrified for her safety, Plaintiff tried sharing her location with friends from her iPhone…Sharpe saw her doing this. The moment he realized what she was doing, he grabbed her by the neck and told her, ‘If you ever do that again, I will f–king kill you.’”
GettyShannon Sharpe claims the sexual assault allegations are a “shakedown” by Tony Buzbee.
How Did Shannon Sharpe Respond to the Allegations?
It’s important to note that this is a civil case and not a criminal trial for sexual assault. Also, the court hearing on Wednesday is a pre-trial matter. A trial date is not scheduled.
Shortly after the plantiff filed the complaint in April, Sharpe’s lawyer, Lanny Davis, held a virtual press conference claiming that the plaintiff is “taking advantage” of Sharpe’s “very lucrative contracts” with both ESPN and his podcast “Club Shay Shay.”
Shannon Sharpe also released the following statement on Instagram:
Davis also said, “It was a big surprise to us a few days ago when this case was filed.” Davis revealed that the 56-year-old was willing to pay the plaintiff “at least $10 million” in a settlement.
As Sharpe said in his statement, his legal team released 44 pages of explicit texts, as reported by the New York Post, sent by “Gabby,” which is a clear indication of a consensual relationship that included “role-playing” and “fantasy.”
Related: Ravens Star’s Divorce Turns Ugly After Explosive Cheating Allegations
Tony Buzbee, the plaintiff’s lawyer whom Shannon Sharpe blamed in his statement, claims the leaked texts were just a distraction by Sharpe’s legal team.
GettyThe sexual assault case forced Shannon Sharpe to temporarily step away from his duties at ESPN.
Shannon Sharpe Will File a Counterclaim on Wednesday
In his statement, Sharpe was clear about his intent to use the plaintiff for defamation. He will be in the Clark County, Nevada, court at 10 a.m. local time on the West Coast.
The court hearing for the sexual assault allegations against Shannon Sharpe was set for June 30. Typically, responses are due within 30 days, but an extension was given out of courtesy among the lawyers. The NFL Hall of Famer “categorically denies” the claims against him and is prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Shannon Sharpe will be confronting these sexual assault allegations in court tomorrow afternoon. Check back here for a full report from the courtroom.
Shannon Sharpe $50M Sexual Assault Case Returns to Court Today