Shannon Sharpe’s Explosive Legal Defense on Michele Evans: “She Tried to Kill Her Husband to Be With Him”

Former NFL star and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe has formally responded to recent allegations involving two women with whom he has past connections. In a detailed legal statement issued by his attorney Mitchell Schuster, Sharpe categorically denies any wrongdoing and asserts that he is the victim of false accusations, character assassination, and an attempted extortion scheme.

Sharpe, who has become a staple of sports commentary in recent years, temporarily stepped away from his ESPN duties to focus on the legal battle and to support his family. He intends to return to the network in time for the upcoming NFL season.

Legal Team Denounces Accusations as “Fabricated Narratives”

According to the statement released by Sharpe’s litigation counsel, the accusations stem from two separate individuals: Michele Evans, who filed a civil complaint against Sharpe without legal representation, and Gabi Zuniga, who allegedly attempted to extort Sharpe following a consensual relationship.

The statement frames both cases as examples of a troubling pattern where public figures are targeted by individuals seeking attention or financial gain.

“It should be of no surprise that when someone famous is in the news, all sorts of people crawl out of the woodwork to share their connection to that person in an attempt to profit from that alleged relationship,” wrote Schuster. “In many cases, those stories or accusations are nothing more than old news, fanciful exaggerations, or sometimes blatant misrepresentations of fact.”

Allegations from Michele Evans Resurface

The first portion of the legal statement addresses renewed attention to claims made by Michele Evans, which Sharpe’s team describes as baseless and harmful. Schuster contends that Evans once became fixated on Sharpe and later attempted to pursue legal action against him despite having no legal basis or support.

“Sadly, Ms. Evans became obsessed with Shannon and decided to manufacture a claim against him,” Schuster said. “When she could not find a lawyer to pursue her outrageous story, she filed a civil complaint on her own that is completely devoid of merit.”

Sharpe’s legal team also disclosed that Evans has a serious criminal history. “The fact is that Shannon has had no contact with this person for many years, and it is our understanding that she is still on probation after serving 3 years in prison for trying to kill her husband so that she could hopefully pursue a relationship with Shannon.”

Claims by Gabi Zuniga Framed as Extortion Attempt

The second portion of the legal statement focuses on more recent allegations from Gabi Zuniga, who has also gone by the name Karli. According to Sharpe’s attorney, the two were involved in a consensual sexual relationship for approximately two years. The relationship reportedly ended after Sharpe declined to have a child with Zuniga.

“When she learned that he would not father a child with her, she resorted to extortion,” said Schuster. The legal team claims that Zuniga threatened to publicly expose intimate details of their relationship unless she received a financial settlement.

“While Shannon was willing to pay her a substantial amount of money to avoid the intimate details of his personal life from being exposed, as many high-profile individuals often do when they are being threatened, that is no longer the case,” Schuster stated. “This is a shakedown, pure and simple, and we have the evidence to prove it.”

Sharpe’s legal team also criticized the damage such claims do to legitimate survivors of sexual abuse.

“There are certainly real victims of sexual assault whose stories deserve to be told. Gabi is not one of them, and her attempt to extort Shannon with her false claims only serves to distract from the attention that real abuse victims deserve.”

Sharpe Plans to Take Legal Action

Sharpe’s legal strategy, according to the statement, includes filing claims against Zuniga and others who assisted her in spreading her story. He plans to defend himself using “documentary proof and real evidence” and intends to pursue full accountability through the courts.

“He intends to pursue claims against Gabi and all who have assisted her with the dissemination of her fabricated story,” Schuster wrote. “Shannon looks forward to his day in court where he can hold Gabi and all who are working in concert with her accountable for the opportunists that they are.”

ESPN Departure is Voluntary and Temporary

In response to speculation regarding Sharpe’s recent absence from ESPN’s programming, the statement clarifies that he was not terminated or placed on leave. Instead, he decided to step away voluntarily.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, Shannon Sharpe was not terminated by ESPN,” Schuster explained. “He has elected to step away for a temporary time from his duties so that he can focus on his family and the frivolous claim filed against him. ESPN agreed with his decision, and Shannon plans to return to his role at ESPN for the NFL season.”

Full Statement from Mitchell Schuster, Litigation Counsel to Shannon Sharpe

It should be of no surprise that when someone famous is in the news, all sorts of people crawl out of the woodwork to share their connection to that person in an attempt to profit from that alleged relationship. In many cases those stories or accusations are nothing more than old news, fanciful exaggerations, or sometimes blatant misrepresentations of fact. They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth. This is obviously purposeful, designed to create a fabricated narrative.

This is exactly what is happening to Shannon Sharpe and the resurrection of the case involving Michele Evans is a perfect example. Sadly, Ms. Evans became obsessed with Shannon and decided to manufacture a claim against him. When she could not find a lawyer to pursue her outrageous story, she filed a civil complaint on her own that is completely devoid of merit. The fact is that Shannon has had no contact with this person for many years and it is our understanding that she is still on probation after serving 3 years in prison for trying to kill her husband so that she could hopefully pursue a relationship with Shannon.

Following in Ms. Evan’s footsteps, Gabi a/k/a Karli is the latest person trying to exploit her connection with Shannon. From the onset, Shannon has been crystal clear about the nature of his relationship with Gabi Zuniga. For the sake of clarity, please allow me to repeat his position. Shannon and Gabi engaged in a consensual sexual relationship over a 2-year period. When she learned that he would not father a child with her, she resorted to extortion.

While Shannon was willing to pay her a substantial amount of money to avoid the intimate details of his personal life from being exposed, as many high-profile individuals often do when they are being threatened, that is no longer the case. This is a shakedown, pure and simple and we have the evidence to prove it. And while there are certainly real victims of sexual assault whose stories deserve to be told; Gabi is not one of them and her attempt to extort Shannon with her false claims only serves to distract from the attention that real abuse victims deserve.

Bottom line, Shannon has done nothing wrong and intends to fight back against these malicious lies not with manufactured defenses or imaginary stories but with documentary proof and real evidence. He intends to pursue claims against Gabi and all who have assisted her with the dissemination of her fabricated story. Shannon looks forward to his day in court where he can hold Gabi and all who are working in concert with her accountable for the opportunists that they are.

For the avoidance of any doubt, Shannon Sharpe was not terminated by ESPN, but he has elected to step away for a temporary period of time from his duties so that he can focus on his family and the frivolous claim filed against him. ESPN agreed with his decision and Shannon plans to return to his role at ESPN for the NFL season.

Mitchell Schuster
Litigation Counsel to Shannon Sharpe

Upcoming Legal Proceedings and Potential Impact on Shannon Sharpe’s Career and Public Image

At this time, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the claims by either Evans or Zuniga. Sharpe’s legal team is preparing for court proceedings and has indicated they will introduce physical evidence to support their position.

With Sharpe planning a return to ESPN later this year, the outcome of these legal actions may have lasting implications for both his public image and career. Fans, analysts, and legal experts will continue watching closely as the story unfolds.