Hall of Fame TE Shannon Sharpe was at the top of his world last week. Once his media deal with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume podcast came to an end, sources linked him to a whopping 9-figure deal. NFL headlines dominated with Sharpe’s growing influence in the sports media business. Podcast newbies like Micah Parsons used his example to answer back those who questioned players making a foray into the media world. But today, Sharpe’s world has come crashing down as he faces an 8-figure lawsuit. So, what happened? In just three days, Sharpe has gone from potentially earning a $ 9-figure contract to fighting for an $ 8-figure payout, possibly to save his reputation.

TMZ just dropped a report stating that Sharpe has been sued for $50M over alleged r—. Filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe in Nevada, the lawsuit also includes multiple other alleged charges. In a 13-page civil complaint, Jane Doe alleges that Sharpe committed a——, s—– a——, s—– battery, and also caused intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff has further claimed that they embarked on a “rocky consensual relationship” that lasted almost two years.

As per TMZ’s report on the lawsuit, Doe met Sharpe in 2023 at a gym in Los Angeles. She was in her 20s while Sharpe was in his 50s. Doe also claims in their first encounter that Sharpe told her he would “buy her fake t—“ if he lost in a weight-loss competition with him. She then proceeded to state in her lawsuit that Sharpe made relentless calls and texts, asking her to “come to his Beverly Glen Mansion.” The complaint also alleges that Sharpe recorded their s—– activities without her knowing.

Doe further alleged that Sharpe was sharing those videos with others without her permission or knowledge. But she also wanted to clarify something. The woman on Sharpe’s accidental livestream he was apparently having s– with wasn’t her. That was the moment, per the lawsuit, the plaintiff “began to pull away from Sharpe.” However, she claims he tried to relentlessly stop her after she didn’t answer his phone, nor share her whereabouts.

Another incident that Doe alleges happened in January 2025 had Sharpe engaging in unprotected s– with her. Despite the plaintiff’s effort to get him to wear a condom or stop, he didn’t listen. Now the complaint is seeking a minimum of $50M from Sharpe. Tony Buzbee represents Doe, who recently rose to prominence in the NFL world, handling more than 20 plaintiffs who sued Deshaun Watson.

Shannon Sharpe awaits a civil lawsuit trial

Jane Doe’s lawsuit against Sharpe is a civil case, with no criminal indictments attached, according to Pro Football Talk. Sharpe will get to have all of his defenses when the case proceeds in Nevada state court. The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, said in a statement, “I’m extremely proud to represent Jane Doe. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court.” 

Shannon is yet to make a public comment on the lawsuit. Sharpe, a regular on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith, appeared on the program as usual on Monday. However, a request for comment hasn’t received an immediate response from Sharpe.