Shannon Sharpe is in a lot of legal hot water. On April 21, 2025, the former NFL Tight End was named a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga that accuses him of s*xual assault, r*pe, battery, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. Zuniga and her team, represented by lawyer Tony Buzbee, are seeking $50 million in compensation. Sharpe has since referred to the situation as a “shakedown.”
Advertisement
Many from the NFL world have since given their takes on the matter, from insinuating it’s a conspiracy, while others have simply removed themselves from the narrative. The latest to jump into the discourse is Cam Newton. Speaking about the situation on his podcast, ‘4th and 1,’ Newton decided to take a neutral stance on the matter.
However, he did have an important message for his audience.
“No means no, and we’re living in a day and age where people have the right to feel offended and some type of way,” said Newton. “When you see things develop, his image will take a hit.”
Newton seemed especially surprised that Sharpe is involved in something of this magnitude. He noted how many analysts and players revere Sharpe and have even dubbed him “Unc” — making him something of a cultural figure to look up to.
Both Sharpe and Zuninga’s legal teams have released text messages and recordings from the two supporting their cases. In a recording obtained by People, a voice that resembles Sharpe’s can be heard saying he will “choke the sh*t out of you” in a message to Zuniga. To make matters worse, as Newton pointed out, Zuniga is only 20 years old, and was 19 when Sharpe’s relationship with her began.
The matter only became even more concerning when Michele Bundy Evans, Sharpe’s former girlfriend, also resurfaced with additional accusations. Evans alleged that during their ten-year relationship, Sharpe repeatedly engaged in s*xual misconduct and was threatening towards her.
Although Evans previously sought a protective order, her request was denied. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, legal proceedings related to her claims are still ongoing.
While Sharpe has not been convicted or declared guilty on any charges, and the legal details remain unclear, the controversy should surely urge those in the media and NFL sphere to introspect and open the door for a broader conversation around s*xual misconduct.
