Sharpe was accused of sexual assault and battery, in addition to engaging in the intentional infliction of emotional distress, in a lawsuit filed in Clark County, Nevada, on Sunday.

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.

Shannon Sharpe, a Superbowl champion and host of a popular podcast, has been accused of sexual assault in a Nevada lawsuit. The lawsuit was brought by a woman who alleges Mr Sharpe used his fame to "manipulate,