Former NFL player and media personality Shannon Sharpe has offered “at least $10 million” to settle claims of sexual assault made by a woman, attorney Lanny Davis revealed during a media conference call. The settlement comes amid allegations of blackmail, where the accuser threatened to publish private sexual activity unless paid substantial money.
Davis strongly disagreed with an opinion piece stating that Sharpe’s decision to pay the settlement could imply guilt in court. However, Sharpe and his lawyer argue that paying blackmail is not an admission of wrongdoing. They claim that many innocent people subject to such threats choose to pay to avoid public embarrassment and potential consequences for their lives and reputations.
The offer has raised eyebrows, with some questioning how Sharpe can reconcile his assertion of innocence with the significant settlement amount. Davis suggests that if fact reporting were done on others who have faced similar blackmail threats, it would demonstrate that people typically respond in a way without implying guilt. He also criticizes the original opinion piece for omitting the opportunity to discuss the accuser’s edited tape and her claims of non-consensual sex.
Despite the settlement offer, the case will proceed, with Sharpe filing a counterclaim. The litigation will ultimately decide whether the settlement can be used as evidence in court. As jury selection approaches, it is expected that jurors’ prior knowledge of the case may pose challenges to fair deliberations.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/lanny-davis-explains-shannon-sharpes-10-million-settlement-offer