A statement from Sharpe's lawyer said the relationship was consensual and called the lawsuit a "blatant and cynical attempt to shake down" Sharpe for millions of dollars.

Sharpe has denied the allegations in the lawsuit and plans to launch a countersuit targeting the plaintiff and her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, who has attempted to sue other public figures such as Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

A woman who says she was raped and threatened by retired NFL player Shannon Sharpe during a “rocky consensual relationship” has filed a civil lawsuit against him seeking $50 million in damages.