Latest news with #Classof2011
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shannon Sharpe to step away from ESPN duties amid ongoing lawsuit
Editor's Note: This report contains graphic descriptions of sexual acts. Shannon Sharpe has said he will temporarily take time away from his role on ESPN after being sued for assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery. He denies the allegations in the lawsuit filed Sunday by an anonymous woman and her attorneys. Sharpe plays a prominent part on ESPN's morning sports debate show 'First Take.' 'I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason,' Sharpe said in a statement issued on Thursday. The Pro Football Hall of Famer concluded by thanking his 'family, fans, friends and colleagues' for their support. Following Sharpe's announcement, ESPN said in a statement, 'This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away.' Sharpe's legal representatives previously told CNN the lawsuit was an attempt to 'shake down' the popular podcaster for millions of dollars and said he 'categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.' In the suit filed in a Las Vegas district court, 'Jane Doe' accuses the popular host of the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast of 'manipulating and controlling' the plaintiff during a nearly two-year period that started in 2023 as a consensual relationship when the woman was 20 years old. The civil complaint alleges Sharpe, 56, 'violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff,' in October 2024 and again in January of this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, 'blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.' The suit states: 'After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of 'no.'' When asked if Jane Doe had contacted police during or after the alleged assaults, the plaintiffs' attorney, Tony Buzbee, said he could not comment. The attorney told CNN, 'It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court.' Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said the woman is attempting to blackmail his client and that the pair's relationship was consensual and 'sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests.' Davis said Sharpe 'looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.' The complaint is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was inducted as part of the Class of 2011. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990 and retired following the 2003 season as the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards and touchdowns by a tight end. Sharpe won two Super Bowls with Denver and then another while a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
CNN
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Shannon Sharpe to step away from ESPN duties amid ongoing lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe has said he will temporarily take time away from his role on ESPN after being sued for assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery. He denies the allegations in the lawsuit filed Sunday by an anonymous woman and her attorneys. Sharpe plays a prominent part on ESPN's morning sports debate show 'First Take.' 'I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason,' Sharpe said in a statement issued on Thursday. The Pro Football Hall of Famer concluded by thanking his 'family, fans, friends and colleagues' for their support. CNN has reached out to ESPN for comment. Sharpe's legal representatives previously told CNN the lawsuit was an attempt to 'shake down' the popular podcaster for millions of dollars and said he 'categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.' In the suit filed in a Las Vegas district court, 'Jane Doe' accuses the popular host of the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast of 'manipulating and controlling' the plaintiff during a nearly two-year period that started in 2023 as a consensual relationship when the woman was 20 years old. The civil complaint alleges Sharpe, 56, 'violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff,' in October 2024 and again in January of this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, 'blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.' The suit states: 'After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of 'no.'' When asked if Jane Doe had contacted police during or after the alleged assaults, the plaintiffs' attorney, Tony Buzbee, said he could not comment. The attorney told CNN, 'It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court.' Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said the woman is attempting to blackmail his client and that the pair's relationship was consensual and 'sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests.' Davis said Sharpe 'looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.' The complaint is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was inducted as part of the Class of 2011. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990 and retired following the 2003 season as the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards and touchdowns by a tight end. Sharpe won two Super Bowls with Denver and then another while a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
CNN
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Shannon Sharpe to step away from ESPN duties amid ongoing lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe has said he will temporarily take time away from his role on ESPN after being sued for assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery. He denies the allegations in the lawsuit filed Sunday by an anonymous woman and her attorneys. Sharpe plays a prominent part on ESPN's morning sports debate show 'First Take.' 'I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason,' Sharpe said in a statement issued on Thursday. The Pro Football Hall of Famer concluded by thanking his 'family, fans, friends and colleagues' for their support. CNN has reached out to ESPN for comment. Sharpe's legal representatives previously told CNN the lawsuit was an attempt to 'shake down' the popular podcaster for millions of dollars and said he 'categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.' In the suit filed in a Las Vegas district court, 'Jane Doe' accuses the popular host of the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast of 'manipulating and controlling' the plaintiff during a nearly two-year period that started in 2023 as a consensual relationship when the woman was 20 years old. The civil complaint alleges Sharpe, 56, 'violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff,' in October 2024 and again in January of this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, 'blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.' The suit states: 'After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of 'no.'' When asked if Jane Doe had contacted police during or after the alleged assaults, the plaintiffs' attorney, Tony Buzbee, said he could not comment. The attorney told CNN, 'It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court.' Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said the woman is attempting to blackmail his client and that the pair's relationship was consensual and 'sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests.' Davis said Sharpe 'looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.' The complaint is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was inducted as part of the Class of 2011. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990 and retired following the 2003 season as the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards and touchdowns by a tight end. Sharpe won two Super Bowls with Denver and then another while a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
Gulf News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Pahalgam terror attack: Rich tributes paid to Indian expat in Dubai gunned down in Kashmir
Dubai: Rich tributes have been pouring in for Niraj Udhwani, an Indian expat in Dubai who was one of the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, India on Tuesday. Niraj, a 33-year-old finance professional, was on a holiday with his wife Aayushi when gunmen opened fire in the popular tourist zone. A finance manager with a school group in Dubai, Niraj had a big circle of friends here since he grew up in the city. On Thursday, The Indian High School Dubai, where he did his schooling, paid rich tributes to the former student. 'With profound grief and heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of our esteemed alumnus, Niraj Udhwani, who lost his life in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir,' Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools said in a statement to Gulf News. He said the entire school observed a minute of silence, praying for strength and solace for his loved ones as they navigate this profound loss. They also prayed for Niraj's soul and extended condolences to his family. 'May Niraj's soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory always remain a blessing to all who knew him. On behalf of The Indian High Group of Schools, we extend our deepest condolences to Niraj's family in this unimaginable time of grief.' Class of 2011 member Punit said Niraj was a proud member of the Class of 2011. 'He joined The Indian High School, Oud Metha campus Dubai, in Grade 5 and completed his schooling in the academic year 2010–11, graduating from the Commerce stream. Over nine meaningful years, he became a cherished part of our school community—fondly remembered for his sincerity, warmth, and gentle spirit.' An earnest student with a keen interest in Accounting, Niraj was deeply committed to academic growth and always eager to contribute to school programmes. His teachers in the Commerce stream remember him vividly for his enthusiasm and active participation. 'His untimely and tragic demise has left our entire school family in shock. A promising life full of hope and dreams was cruelly taken in an act of unspeakable violence—an affront to all who believe in peace, humanity, and the sanctity of life. Violence can never be justified,' he added. Many friends of Niraj have shared their shock and grief on social media as well. Some of his school friends recalled the good old school days they spent together and remembered him a fun-loving person full of life. Loved travel, adventures According to their friends, Niraj and Aayushi were inseparable. The couple, who got married in 2023 after a magical proposal in 2021, loved travelling. They decided to visit Kashmir for a trip when they had travelled to India to attend a friend's wedding. Niraj had shared several social media posts about their trips and adventurous activities including his skydiving session in Dubai. The couple had also shared pictures and videos of a new family member they welcomed home in March—a puppy called Truffle. The final rites of Niraj were performed on Thursday at Mokshadham crematorium in his native town Jaipur in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Reports from India said his elder brother, Kishore Udhwani, lit the funeral pyre, surrounded by grieving family members, an inconsolable Aayushi, friends, and a heavy police presence.
CNN
22-04-2025
- CNN
Pro Football Hall of Famer and podcast star Shannon Sharpe sued for sexual assault and battery. He says it's a ‘shakedown'
Former NFL star tight end Shannon Sharpe has been accused of multiple instances of assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery in a lawsuit filed Sunday by an anonymous woman and her attorneys. Sharpe's legal representatives called the lawsuit an attempt to 'shake down' the popular podcaster for millions of dollars and said he 'categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.' 'To my family, friends, supporters and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart,' Sharpe said in a video released on X on Tuesday. 'This is a shakedown. I'm going to be open, transparent and defend myself, because this isn't right.' In the suit filed in a Las Vegas district court, 'Jane Doe' accuses the popular host of the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast of 'manipulating and controlling' the plaintiff during a nearly two-year period that started in 2023 as a consensual relationship when the woman was 20 years old. The civil complaint alleges Sharpe, 56, 'violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff,' in October 2024 and again in January of this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, 'blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.' The suit states: 'After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of 'no.'' When asked if Jane Doe had contacted police during or after the alleged assaults, the plaintiffs' attorney, Tony Buzbee, said he could not comment. The attorney told CNN, 'It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court.' Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said the woman is attempting to blackmail his client and that the pair's relationship was consensual and 'sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests.' Davis said Sharpe 'looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.' The complaint is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was inducted as part of the Class of 2011. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990 and retired following the 2003 season as the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards and touchdowns by a tight end. Sharpe won two Super Bowls with Denver and then another while a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
