Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit: Bizarre Twist at First Hearing
The first hearing in the $50 million lawsuit against NFL Hall of Famer and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe took an unexpected turn Wednesday. The lawsuit, filed by a plaintiff alleging sexual assault and battery, experienced a significant setback when their attorney failed to appear in court.
According to KLAS in Las Vegas, Clark County District Court Judge Anna Albertson expressed disappointment at the absence of legal representation for the plaintiff. Sharpe, however, was represented by attorney Robert DeMarco.
DeMarco requested a review of the case's progress and an extension of 45 days, which the judge granted. The next hearing is scheduled for September 3.
The plaintiff was previously represented by Tony Buzbee, a well-known attorney who gained prominence for representing some of the women who accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct. The reason for Buzbee's absence remains unclear.
Buzbee himself has been in the news recently, with a lawsuit against him being dismissed. He has also been active on social media in the days leading up to the hearing.
Sharpe has vehemently denied the allegations. His team released a statement calling the lawsuit "a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars" and pledged to vigorously defend against it. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.