“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” Sharpe said. “I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”

According to NBC News, a woman filed a lawsuit in Nevada on Sunday, accusing Sharpe of raping her twice in Las Vegas in October and again in January.

USA Today reports that the suit alleges that the woman (only identified as“Jane Doe”) accuses Sharpe of becoming violent over the course of their relationship, threatened to kill her during one incident, and recorded their sexual encounters without her consent.

“Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity to their relationship, or called him out about his extraneous activities,” the lawsuit said. “What had once been manipulation, control, and intimidation now became something far more dangerous and sinister. Sharpe even figured out how to get into Doe’s apartment complex without her permission.”

The lawsuit is seeking more than $50 million in damages. Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, said in a conference call with NBC Sports that the accuser turned down a $10 million settlement before filing this suit.

Sharpe was a Pro Bowl tight end for the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens during his playing career. Upon his retirement in 2004, he began a successful turn as a football analyst and commentator for CBS, Fox Sports and ESPN. He launched his popular podcast, Club Shay Shay, in 2023. Since it began, Club Shay Shay has scored viral interviews with celebrities like Katt Williams, Amanda Seales, Mo’Nique, Steve Stoute and more.

The NFL preseason is scheduled to begin July 31.