Shannon Sharpe stands at the precipice of outrageous fame … or infamy.
Sharpe, 56, is being sued by an unidentified woman 30 years his junior for allegedly raping her on two occasions within the past six months.
Sharpe admits he said he would ‘choke’ the woman
In addition to the public relations disaster that such a civil court action brings, the woman has receipts of Sharpe allegedly threatening to “choke” her before allegedly carrying out the rapes, including anal penetration, she stated in her court filing.
The guest host of ESPN’s popular “First Take” and the creator of the renowned podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” was on the verge of signing a nine-figure deal for the shows he owns.
Now, he is facing a precipitous descent from the top of the sports commentary mountain as the 20-something accusers releases more damning evidence to suggest the publicly affable man has an explosive temper behind closed doors.
Shannon Sharpe admits he tried to pay the accuser off
As if that weren’t enough, Sharpe’s attorney admitted to the media that Sharpe offered the plaintiff $10 million to make her go away. She did go away, per se, but not over the horizon into the lap of luxury, but to a courthouse to try to get five times that amount.
Moreover, the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, released the phone call where Sharpe roared that he would “choke” her. Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, has since confirmed the recorded call, while claiming his client was speaking “in the heat of the moment” and the violent threat was “not intended” nor carried out.
Shannon Sharpe image has taken some serious hits this week
As this sordid scandal expands like a nuclear mushroom cloud, some wonder if Sharpe’s appearance on Tuesday on “First Take” will be his last.
“Nah bruh,” one person wrote on Instagram. “We need you to interview yourself [laughing emojis] you got a lot s–t going on.”
Another asked, “Come on Unc why you messing with a 19 year old?” another wrote, referring to Sharpe by his nickname. “You smarter than that man. Makes me think all of this is planned.”
Some social media users take umbrage that Sharpe, who has denied the allegations, is now accusing Buzbee of a “shakedown” and race-baiting.
“Tony Buzbee targets Black men and I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you can possibly imagine,” he said on Instagram
Another said, “Warn your sons about the #ShannonSharpe situation: A man with no sexual discipline will almost always lose his wealth,” while a third added. “A quality life must be protected by surrounding yourself with quality people.”
One user cautioned folks about applying self control. “Folks just out here moving with 0 discernment. Just led by lust & fornication leading them straight into embarrassment & humiliation lol.”
There are some who wondered why Sharpe did not see this relationship as problematic. “I’m trying to figure out why ‘Unc’ kept any type of relationship going with ole girl after she kept telling him to put a big black baby in her. Lastly, one user said high-profile Black men fall for the same trick. “black men stop cooning out for yt women and then being surprised when it blows up in their face.”
