Former NFL veteran safety and current NFL Network analyst Darren Sharper has been arrested on sexual assault charges in Los Angeles, SI.com is reporting.
Sharper, 38, was taken into custody sometime on Friday, and later posted bail of $200,000 and was given a L.A. Municipal County return court date of Feb. 14. Several media outlets are also reporting Sharper has been linked to at least two assault cases, one allegedly taking place in October of 2013 and the other just this month.
The NFL Network announced on Saturday that Sharper has been suspended without pay. A five-time Pro Bowler, Sharpton has worked as a network analyst since retiring in 2010. He played 14 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, registering 63 career interceptions.
“Darren has been suspended without pay until further notice, effective immediately,” said Alex Riethmiller, an NFL Network spokesman.
The New Orleans Police Department later confirmed it is investigating an alleged sexual complaint filed against Sharper on Sept. 24, 201.
“As with every case alleging sexual assault, information gathered is extremely sensitive and the top priority of the detectives is to protect the person who filed the complaint,” said NOPD spokesperson Remi Braden. “Because this is an on-going criminal investigation, we cannot provide additional information at this time.”
Chris Bowman, a spokesperson for New Orleans District Attorney’s Office, later added “New Orleans police received a complaint from an alleged victim. The police referred the case to our office for consultation. The matter is currently under investigation and we will make no further comment on any matter under investigation.”
A Super Bowl champion with the Saints in 2009, Sharper led the league that year in interceptions (nine), interception return yards (376), and return touchdowns. He was also named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
