CBS’ NFL Today show commentator Shannon Sharpe has stepped down from his post after Michele Bundy accused him of sexual assault, CBS News reports. Bundy got a temporary restraining order for the former Denver Broncos tight end, and claimed that Sharpe, 42, forced her to have sex with him, threatened her life, and stalked her, according to court documents obtained by Sports by Brooks.
Sharpe said in a statement, “I have decided to step aside from the NFL Today until this matter is resolved.”
LeslieAnne Wade, a spokeswoman for CBS Sports, told Sports by Brooks, “We accept Shannon’s decision. Beyond that, we decline to comment on a pending legal matter.”
Bundy filed her petition on Thursday in Atlanta’s Fulton County Superior Court, where it was categorized as a “family violence” case because she is caring for a child. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 20. Sharpe has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
When he retired following the 2003 season, Sharpe was the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends with 815 catches, 10,060 yards and 62 touchdowns. Known for his sharp tongue, the Hall of Fame hopeful joined CBS Sports in May 2004.
