Reports: Shannon Sharpe accused of sexual assault

A Nevada lawsuit accuses former NFL player Shannon Sharpe of sexual assault, several media outlets confirmed Monday.

A woman has accused the former player and media personality of sexually assaulting her, battering her and using his fame to control and subjugate her. The pair had a two-year relationship, the woman said.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer denied the allegations through his attorney, who termed the relationship "consensual and sexual in nature."

"(The suit) is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations -- and it will not succeed," Sharpe's statement said.

The lawsuit describes several instances of alleged abuse, highlighting the difference in age between the two, with the woman being in excess of 30 years younger than Sharpe.

That played into controlling behavior, including rape, impermissible recordings of sexual encounters and physical assault, the lawsuit alleges.

"He is a flawed, narcissistic individual who has spent years using his fame, power and influence to manipulate, control, subjugate and violate women," the lawsuit alleged.

Sharpe, 56, publicly apologized for broadcasting a sex act on Instagram Live last fall, calling that situation an accident. The lawsuit addresses that incident, describing it as an act of infidelity and a point of emotional distress for the complainant.

The lawsuit was filed by Tony Buzbee, who has represented other women in sexual assault cases, including several of the female massage therapists in the DeShaun Watson allegations as well as women who claim to have been assaulted by Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Sharpe played tight end for 14 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, and earned several accolades, including eight Pro Bowl nominations, while winning three Super Bowls.

He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Currently, Sharpe is employed by ESPN as a sports commentator after a previous stint with Fox Sports.

--Field Level Media