Shannon Sharpe’s legal team addressed unearthed allegations from his past that recently surfaced in the media.
Mitchell Schuster issued a statement Friday to The Daily Caller acknowledging rape allegations made in 2010 by a woman, Michele Evans, and said the dated story is being circulated to “create a fabricated narrative.”
“It should be of no surprise that when someone famous is in the news, all sorts of people crawl out of the woodwork to share their connection to that person in an attempt to profit from that alleged relationship,” Schuster said.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 06: Shannon Sharpe attends Imagine Dragons’ annual Tyler Robinson Foundation Rise Up Gala benefiting families affected by pediatric cancer at Resorts World Las Vegas on October 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Tyler Robinson Foundation)
“In many cases those stories or accusations are nothing more than old news, fanciful exaggerations, or sometimes blatant misrepresentations of fact,” Schuster, speaking in defense of his client, noted.
“They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth,” he added. “This is exactly what is happening to Shannon Sharpe and the resurrection of the case involving Michele Evans is a perfect example. Sadly, Ms. Evans became obsessed with Shannon and decided to manufacture a claim against him. When she could not find a lawyer to pursue her outrageous story, she filed a civil complaint on her own that is completely devoid of merit.”
Denver Bronco’s tight end Shannon Sharpe celebrates after catching the game-winning 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Elway in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs 06 December at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Denver rallied for two touchdowns in the final seven minutes for a 35-31 victory over Kansas City to extend their winning streak to 18 games, including last year’s playoffs. (Photo by MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
“The fact is that Shannon has had no contact with this person for many years and it is our understanding that she is still on probation after serving 3 [sic] years in prison for trying to kill her husband so that she could hopefully pursue a relationship with Shannon,” the statement continues.
Sharpe’s legal representative also addressed recent headlines involving an accuser, Gabi Zuniga, filing a $50 million lawsuit against the former NFL star.
“Following in Ms. Evan’s footsteps, Gabi a/k/a Karli is the latest person trying to exploit her connection with Shannon,” Schuster said. “From the onset, Shannon has been crystal clear about the nature of his relationship with Gabi Zuniga.”
Schuster also reiterated messaging previously stated by Sharpe.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Shannon Sharpe attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
“For the sake of clarity, please allow me to repeat his position. Shannon and Gabi engaged in a consensual sexual relationship over a 2-year [sic] period. When she learned that he would not father a child with her, she resorted to extortion.”
He then provided an update on reports Sharpe offered his accuser $10 million in exchange for her to not come forward publicly.
“While Shannon was willing to pay her a substantial amount of money to avoid the intimate details of his personal life from being exposed, as many high-profile individuals often do when they are being threatened, that is no longer the case,” Schuster said.
“This is a shakedown, pure and simple and we have the evidence to prove it. And while there are certainly real victims of sexual assault whose stories deserve to be told; Gabi is not one of them and her attempt to extort Shannon with her false claims only serves to distract from the attention that real abuse victims deserve,” Schuster added.
“Bottom line, Shannon has done nothing wrong and intends to fight back against these malicious lies not with manufactured defenses or imaginary stories but with documentary proof and real evidence,” the statement shared with The Daily Caller concluded.
“He intends to pursue claims against Gabi and all who have assisted her with the dissemination of her fabricated story. Shannon looks forward to his day in court where he can hold Gabi and all who are working in concert with her accountable for the opportunists that they are,” Schuster said.
Sharpe temporarily stepped down Thursday from his position at ESPN — a point that Schuster elaborated on in his statement. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Hart’s Former Friend Files New Motion Accusing Comedian Of Witness Tampering, Dodging Legal Fees)
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Shannon Sharpe was not terminated by ESPN, but he has elected to step away for a temporary period of time from his duties so that he can focus on his family and the frivolous claim filed against him,” he said. “ESPN agreed with his decision and Shannon plans to return to his role at ESPN for the NFL season.”
