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.

Before he was a Hall of Famer, sports commentator, and three-time Super Bowl winner, Shannon Sharpe was merely a youngster with big dreams and few accolades. It is not a tale that starts at a football power or one that is embellished with five-star ratings.