Former NFL Star Arrested on Suspicion of Rape

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former NFL star defensive back Darren Sharper has been arrested on suspicion of rape, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Sharper was arrested and booked Friday and released on $200,000 bail just before midnight, according to the LAPD. He faces a Feb. 14 court appearance.

Darren Sharper on the NFL Network (Image source: YouTube raw clip)

LAPD said it is investigating Sharper in connection with two sexual assaults that occurred in October and earlier this month in the West Los Angeles area.

New Orleans Police Department spokeswoman Remi Braden said Saturday in a statement that NOPD is also investigating an allegation of sexual assault filed against Sharper on Sept. 24.

Sharper, 38, played 14 seasons in the NFL (1997-2010), mostly with Green Bay. He also played with Minnesota and New Orleans and retired after the 2010 season, compiling 63 career interceptions.

Sharper was selected All-Pro six times and chosen for the Pro Bowl five times. He played in two Super Bowls, one with the Packers as a rookie and a second with the Saints after the 2009 season. He was part of the NFL 2000's All-Decade Team, according to ESPN.

He has been working as an analyst for the NFL Network.

"Darren has been suspended without pay until further notice, effective immediately," said Alex Riethmiller, spokesman for NFL Network, in an email Saturday.

Here's Sharper on an NFL Network "Pick Magnet" segment: