Leaked Audio Reveals Shannon Sharpe’s “Choke” Threat in Rape Lawsuit
Okay, so like… did Shannon Sharpe just go full thriller mode in this court clip? The NFL Hall‑of‑Famer turned sports commentator is embroiled in yet another jaw‑dropping chapter of his ongoing legal saga after TMZ dropped a fresh audio excerpt where Sharpe explicitly tells his accuser he wants to “choke” her. The recording, obtained by TMZ on April 23, stems from a deposition in the civil suit filed by a woman who alleges rape and defamation.
Per TMZ’s exclusive scoop, the newly surfacing audio dates back to a private session in July 2023, when attorneys for the accuser pressed Sharpe on his public statements. Sharpe’s voice, caught on a legal pad mic, grows tense as the questioning intensifies. At one point he snaps, “I want to choke you for saying that,” a line that has legal pundits calling it a dangerous escalation. People Magazine confirms the clip’s authenticity, having reviewed court filings that list the deposition transcript as evidence.
Since the initial lawsuit landed in federal court last year, Sharpe has vigorously denied the rape claim and slapped his accuser with a countersuit, accusing her of fabricating the entire story for publicity. His legal team insists the recording was taken out of context, arguing that the football legend was reacting to what they call a “smear campaign.” But critics aren’t buying it. The Scottish Sun highlights that courts tend to weigh a defendant’s aggressive language heavily when deciding on motions to dismiss.
Sharpe’s career pivot from Broncos tight end to co‑host of a hit sports show on FS1 only makes this more head‑scratching. He’s been the face of hot takes and viral debates for years, but never in such a personally volatile spot. The defamation angle is crucial: if a judge finds Sharpe’s threats credible, it could bolster the accuser’s push for punitive damages. Legal analysts at Law360 note that deposition outbursts often sway jury sentiment, even if they’re not thrown into public evidence right away.
Meanwhile, ESPN alum pals and social‑media followers are already weighing in. A common refrain on Twitter: “He literally threatened her on tape—this isn’t some locker‑room banter.” Fox Sports has remained mum so far, but insiders tell People the network is quietly reviewing Sharpe’s upcoming appearances. His take‑no‑prisoners persona might score ratings, but crossing legal lines in recorded testimony could complicate his broadcasting future.
Anyway, that’s the current play. Expect more filings, heated press statements, and—given how this thing’s already trending—a flood of memes. Stay tuned, because if this leaks, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, The Scottish Sun, Law360
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
