NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe is under intense scrutiny after newly leaked messages between him and an OnlyFans model known as Gabi surfaced, alleging a disturbing encounter involving non-consensual sexual acts.

On Onlyfans, Gabi goes by the name Karli (OnlyFans.com/sheiskarlivip)

The former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe is ranked as one of NFF’s 100 greatest.

According to a report from TMZ Sports, the text messages appear to detail a January 2, 2025, encounter during which Gabi claims Sharpe ignored her explicit demands to stop and engaged in unprotected anal sex without her consent.

“I cried when you left because I begged you to put on a condom and not put it up my a** but you didn’t listen,” Gabi wrote in one of the texts. She punctuated her message with a direct reminder: “No means no, Shannon.”

The alleged incident is directly tied to the accusations laid out in Gabi’s pending $50 million lawsuit filed earlier this year, where she is legally identified as “Jane Doe.” The lawsuit alleges non-consensual sexual acts, emotional distress, unauthorized filming and distribution of intimate encounters, and harassment following attempts to end the relationship.

Further complicating the situation are additional leaked texts suggesting Gabi had previously expressed an interest in BDSM and “being abused.” Sharpe’s legal team has seized on these messages, arguing they demonstrate consensual engagement in rough sexual practices. However, legal experts stress that consent to BDSM activities does not override a clear “no” given at any moment, an important distinction that may play a pivotal role if the case proceeds to trial.

The allegations add to Sharpe’s mounting legal and public relations woes following a separate incident in September 2024, when he accidentally livestreamed a sexual encounter to his 3.2 million Instagram followers. Following the livestream, Gabi claims she attempted to sever ties with Sharpe, only to be met with escalating harassment.

Sharpe, represented by high-profile attorney Lanny J. Davis, has responded by releasing additional text messages purporting to show a consensual relationship. Meanwhile, Gabi’s attorney, Tony Buzbee—best known for representing plaintiffs in the Deshaun Watson lawsuits—released an audio recording allegedly capturing Sharpe making aggressive and threatening comments. Buzbee described the recording as “deeply disturbing,” while Sharpe’s team dismissed it as “out of context” and “unrelated to any sexual activity.”

This is not the first time Sharpe’s personal conduct has come under scrutiny. In 2010, he faced a temporary restraining order from a different woman citing threats and harassment, although that case was eventually dismissed. Still, the resurfacing of past allegations has fueled skepticism online.

Sharpe, who had been enjoying a successful second act in sports media with ESPN’s “First Take” and a rapidly growing podcast network, now faces a tidal wave of backlash. Social media is ablaze with calls for accountability, viral jokes referencing his prior mishaps, and heated debate over consent and celebrity privilege.

As of now, the lawsuit remains active, with depositions and discovery underway. If no settlement is reached, the case could culminate in a high-profile trial, with serious implications for Sharpe’s career and reputation.