Shannon Sharpe Apologizes for Streaming Sex Sounds on Instagram
It turns out that if you’re a successful athlete with profitable deals in the pipeline, one of the worst things that can happen to you is a sex tape. At least, that’s what NFL tight end and ESPN host Shannon Sharpe recently learned.
The multi-awarded football player accidentally broadcast audio on Instagram Live as he was having sex. After initially claiming that his account was hacked, he eventually apologized to his 3.2 million followers.
During a podcast episode of the Nightcap, a show he hosts with former NFL star Chad Johnson, the 56-year-old acknowledged his mistake. “Obviously, I am embarrassed. [I’m] someone that is extremely, extremely private and to have one of your most intimate details, the audio heard for the entire world to hear, I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons.”
He continued by referring to himself in third-person. “People count on Shannon. Shay Shay media … ESPN, there are a lot of people that count on him at all times. Even when I’m behind closed doors, I still try to remain a level of professional, although I’m in the privacy of my own home, and I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act—there are millions and billions of consenting age that engage in activities.”
Sharpe added that the incident wasn’t staged and implied that it happened because he simply wasn’t familiar with Instagram Live. “I’ve never turned IG Live on so I don’t know how it works,” the Pro Football Hall of Famer said.
What Happened?
The Denver Broncos athlete was oblivious to what had occurred. It wasn’t until people began trying to reach him that he realized what he’d done.
“Man, my heart sank. It dropped,” he recalled.
Before the public apology, Sharpe said that his Instagram account had been hacked. “Beware, my @shannonsharpe84 Instagram was hacked this morning, my team and I are working vigorously to figure this out,” he shared.
Will Shannon Sharpe Lose His Contract With ESPN?
Sharpe’s recent indiscretion has led many to ask, will the Club Shay Shay host lose his deal with ESPN? Last June, the sports network snagged the National Football League player for a multi-year deal. Based on the months-old contract, Sharpe will have a bigger role on the morning debate program First Take.
ESPN Head of Event and Studio Production David Roberts commented at the time, “Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary.”
So far, ESPN hasn’t released any statements regarding the sex tape scandal. Hence, Sharpe hasn’t lost his job.
However, an adult entertainment company said they’d love to give him $100,000 should he be interested in changing careers.
