On April 22, 2025, the sports world turned its attention to a highly publicized press conference held by Lanny J. Davis, the attorney representing Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe. The conference, which took place at 2:00 p.m. ET, was called to address a civil lawsuit filed against Sharpe alleging sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The allegations, brought by a woman identified as “Jane Doe” in court documents, have sparked intense media scrutiny and public debate. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired during the press conference, the key points raised, and the broader context of this unfolding legal battle.
The Lawsuit: A High-Stakes Accusation
The lawsuit, filed on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Clark County, Nevada, accuses Sharpe of raping the plaintiff on two occasions—once in October 2024 and again in January 2025—during what the plaintiff describes as a “rocky consensual relationship” spanning nearly two years. The plaintiff, represented by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee, is seeking $50 million in damages. The complaint alleges that Sharpe became increasingly controlling, verbally abusive, and violent, ignoring the plaintiff’s pleas during the alleged assaults. It also claims Sharpe recorded sexual encounters without consent and shared them without permission. The accusations are serious, and the lawsuit paints a troubling picture of Sharpe’s alleged behavior. However, Sharpe and his legal team have vehemently denied the claims, framing the lawsuit as a calculated attempt to exploit his fame and wealth.
The Press Conference: Davis Takes the Offensive
Lanny J. Davis, a seasoned attorney known for handling high-profile cases, used the press conference to mount a vigorous defense of Sharpe. The tone was clear from the outset: Sharpe’s team views the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and an “egregious attempt at blackmail.” Here are the key takeaways from Davis’s statements:
Consensual Relationship and Explicit Texts: Davis emphasized that the relationship between Sharpe and the plaintiff was consensual, characterized by “graphic, sexual communications” initiated by the plaintiff. He released a series of explicit text messages allegedly sent by the plaintiff to Sharpe, including one referencing a “dog collar” and other sexual fantasies. Davis argued these messages demonstrate a “broader pattern” of a consensual, adult relationship involving role-playing and sexual language.
The Audio Recording Controversy: Earlier on April 22, Buzbee released a 1:36-minute audio clip, obtained by TMZ Sports, in which a voice resembling Sharpe’s threatens to “choke the s— out of” the plaintiff after she accuses him of manipulation. During the press conference, Davis acknowledged the audio but described it as “edited in a warped and distorted way.” He claimed the threat was made “in the heat of the moment” during an argument and did not reflect Sharpe’s intent to act violently. Davis challenged Buzbee to release the full, unedited recording to a neutral third party to determine if it was tampered with, asking, “What is she hiding?”
Allegations of Blackmail and Extortion: Davis repeatedly labeled the plaintiff a “Nevada OnlyFans woman” and accused her of secretly recording a consensual sexual encounter to portray it as non-consensual falsely. He claimed the plaintiff has refused to provide the full, unedited video to Sharpe’s legal team, suggesting this withholding is part of a blackmail scheme. The press conference announcement itself was subtitled, “Davis To Challenge Gabbi Zuniga and Texas Attorney Tony Buzbee To Make Full Tape Available To Determine Whether It Was Edited.”
Sharpe’s Intent to Countersue: Davis reiterated Sharpe’s plan to file a defamation lawsuit against both the plaintiff and Buzbee, echoing Sharpe’s video statement released earlier that day. In the video, Sharpe called the lawsuit a “shakedown” orchestrated by Buzbee, whom he accused of “targeting Black men.” Davis underscored Sharpe’s commitment to fighting the allegations in court and clearing his name.
The Public Relations Battle
Beyond the legal arguments, the press conference was a strategic move in the court of public opinion. By naming the plaintiff (identified by Davis as Gabbi Zuniga) and releasing explicit texts, Sharpe’s team aimed to undermine her credibility and portray her as an opportunist. The decision to label her a “Nevada OnlyFans woman” was particularly pointed, seemingly intended to cast doubt on her character. However, this approach has drawn criticism, with some arguing it risks “doxing” and humiliating the plaintiff, as noted in a statement from Buzbee’s team. On the other side, Buzbee’s release of the audio recording was a calculated counterpunch, designed to bolster the plaintiff’s claims of Sharpe’s threatening behavior. The timing—while Sharpe was on air for ESPN’s First Take—ensured maximum media impact. Buzbee’s reputation as a lawyer who has represented accusers in high-profile cases, including those against Deshaun Watson and Sean “Diddy” Combs, adds another layer of intrigue.
The Video Evidence: A Potential Turning Point
A central focus of the press conference was the dispute over video evidence. Davis claimed the plaintiff secretly recorded a consensual sexual encounter, edited it to misrepresent the interaction, and is now withholding the unedited version. He argued that the case could hinge on whether the edited video aligns with the full recording. If the unedited video supports Sharpe’s claim of consent, it could significantly weaken the plaintiff’s case. Conversely, if it corroborates her allegations, it could be damaging for Sharpe. This emphasis on the video underscores the high stakes of the legal battle. As Davis noted, Sharpe is entitled to request the raw footage through the discovery process, and both sides will likely present competing interpretations of what it shows.
Sharpe’s Response and Continued Work
Sharpe addressed the allegations directly in a video posted to his social media on April 22, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and vowing to defend himself transparently. He appeared on First Take as scheduled on Tuesday, though he did not discuss the lawsuit on air, per reports. His decision to continue his professional commitments signals an intent to maintain normalcy amid the controversy. Sharpe’s status as a beloved sports media figure, with popular podcasts like Club Shay Shay and a reported $100 million media deal in the works, amplifies the public interest in this case. His legal team’s aggressive response suggests they are acutely aware of the potential damage to his reputation and are working to mitigate it.
