Former NFL star and popular media personality Shannon Sharpe is embroiled in a deepening legal crisis. While he recently settled a high-profile lawsuit with a 20-year-old model who accused him of sexual assault, a new legal front has opened with his ex-girlfriend, Michele Evans. In a significant development, a judge has now intervened, ordering Sharpe to preserve crucial evidence related to the case.
Judge Intervenes, Orders Preservation of Key Evidence
The legal saga took a new turn recently when a judge granted a request from Michele Evans. Evans had filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the deletion of a sex tape allegedly featuring Shannon Sharpe and the 20-year-old model from the earlier settled case. According to a report by The US Sun, the judge accepted this request and has formally ordered the NFL Hall of Famer to preserve the tape. This legal move ensures the video remains available as potential evidence as the claims from Evans proceed.
Michele Evans' Shocking Allegations from 2010
The core of this new legal battle stems from allegations made by Michele Evans, who claims to be Sharpe's ex-girlfriend. Earlier this year, Evans came forward with disturbing accusations against the football legend. She alleges that in 2010, Sharpe sexually assaulted her when she attempted to end their relationship.
While Evans initially sued Sharpe in 2023 for threatening to ruin her reputation, that lawsuit contained graphic details of the alleged assault. Citing court documents reported by People magazine, the filing states: "Thereafter, Shannon's coercion escalated as he maneuvered me onto the bed and achieved non-consensual vaginal penetration, all the while proclaiming his intent to 'Make it so no other man would want me.'" Evans' recent legal action to preserve the sex tape is directly tied to this ongoing case.
Sharpe's Team Denies All Accusations
Facing these severe allegations, Shannon Sharpe has maintained public silence. However, his legal representatives have issued strong denials. A spokesperson for Sharpe told Page Six that "Michele Evans' claims are ridiculous and completely without merit." This stance mirrors the approach taken with the previous lawsuit from the model, which was settled out of court for undisclosed terms. Despite the swirling controversies, Sharpe has continued his professional commitments, including filming episodes for his podcasts.
The legal landscape for the 57-year-old sports icon remains complex. With one lawsuit settled but a judge now mandating evidence preservation in another, the claims made by Michele Evans are set for further legal scrutiny. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Sharpe's reputation and career in broadcasting.
