Why Did Sharpe Leave CBS?

Former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe is leaving his job on CBS as an NFL analyst in light of a sexual assault allegation against him. 

Atlanta's Fulton County Superior Court has granted a temporary restraining order against Sharpe following a petition filed by Michele Bundy under the category of "family violence".

Bundy alleged in her petition that Sharpe threatened her life and forced her into sex. A protection hearing for her is sent for Monday, September 20. Sharpe could not be reached for a comment about the matter, but said in a statement, "I have decided to step aside from the NFL Today show until this matter is resolved." 

Who is Shannon Sharpe? 

Sharpe played his college football at Savannah State University, a small Division II college in Savannah, Georgia. He was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection from 1987 to 1989, and SIAC Player of the Year in 1987. 

Sharpe was drafted in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft, 192 overall, by the Denever Broncos. He had a mediocre rookie season, until head coach Dan Reeves convinced him to move to tight end. 

It was history in the making from there. When Sharpe retired in 2003, he owned every significant career record among NFL tight ends with 815 catches, 10,060 yards and 62 touchdowns. 

Tony Gonzalez has since broke all of Sharpe's tight end receiving marks. But Gonzalez career includes zero playoff victories and Sharpe has three super bowl rings—two with the Broncos and one with the Ravens. 

His jersey was also retired by Savannah State and in 2009 he was elected into the Division II Football Hall of Fame. 

Hall of Fame

Shannon Sharpe is still not enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. In his two years of eligibility, he reached the round of 10 modern-era finalists each time, but not the final five. 

How will this legal battle affect his chances of becoming inducted into the Hall of Fame? The Hall of Fame bylaws states only a player's on-field contributions are to be considered. 

Lawrence Taylor was enshrined into the NFL Football Hall of Fame in 1999 after all of his off-filed issues. However, his issues have not gone away and just recently he was accused of raping a young girl. These antics can not look good on this elite fraternity of the most elite NFL players of all-time. 

The next Hall of Fame election will be held Feb 5, 2011, the eve of the Super Bowl XLV which will be played at the new, amazing Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

Where Now? 

Sharpe made the right decision in leaving his job as an NFL analyst, until everything gets resolved, especially since it is important for this situation to stay inside. If he were to keep his job as an analyst, it is likely Sharpe will become a distraction. 

As a NFL player, Sharpe is a former NFL superstar and should easily possess enough money, while on this leave of absence from his job as an NFL analyst. 

Besides, Sharpe is not the greatest NFL analyst to say the least, but he does know his football. 

It is a shame that more and more players are finding themselves in trouble with the law. Hopefully, this case will get resolved and Sharpe will be found innocent.