Photo: Getty Images
Pro Football Hall of Famer turned sports media personality Shannon Sharpe came clean about a viral NSFW controversy during his Nightcap podcast with fellow NFL legend Chad Ochocinco Johnson Wednesday (September 12) night.
Sharpe, 56, admitted his Instagram wasn't hacked as he initially claimed after it livestreamed audio of himself and a woman engaging in sexual activity.
“Obviously I am embarrassed. 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,” Sharpe said. “There are a lot of people that count on Shannon to be professional at all times and I always try to be professional at all times, even when I’m behind closed doors. … I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act. I think there are millions and billions of people of consenting age that engage in activities, but for the audio to be heard I’m disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down.”
The Instagram Live video appeared to be taken with the phone face-down on a table while a woman is heard panting in the background as apparent sexual activity takes place. A man is heard saying "you know what I like" and "that's my Michelle," in a voice resembling Sharpe's.
The woman appears to refer to the man as "Shannon" during the encounter. Sharpe, 56, joined ESPN's debate show First Take last year after leaving FS1's Undisputed. The former tight end is also the host of the podcast Club Shay Shay.
Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion -- twice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Baltimore Ravens -- a four-time first-team All-Pro, one-time second-team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler and selected to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team during his hall of fame playing career.