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Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe has issued an apology after engaging in a heated altercation with Memphis Grizzlies players during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday (January 20).
On Monday (January 23), Sharpe addressed the incident during an episode of Fox Sport's Undisputed, which he co-hosts with Skip Bayless.
"You know, guys, I’ve preached for the last six-and-a-half years responsibility and accountability. I take full responsibility for what transpired," Sharpe said, per Fox News. "It does not matter what Dillon Brooks said or how many times he said it. Me being the responsible person, me having the platform that I have, and having so many people look up to me, I was wrong.
"I should’ve lowered the temperature in the arena," he continued. "Instead, I turned the temperature up and I let it get out of hand."
The incident unfolded at the Crypto.com Arena after Sharpe told Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks that he was too small to guard LeBron James, the Undisputed host said. After Sharpe and Brooks exchanged expletives, teammates Ja Morant, Steve Adams, and even Tee Morant, the Grizzlies star's father, got involved in the altercation that spilled onto the court floor.
The incident never got physical, but caused a delay in game.
Sharpe was temporarily escorted off the court. Tee Morant and Sharpe shared a hug after the NFL legend returned to his seat.
In his apology on Monday, Sharpe specifically addressed the Lakers and Grizzlies organizations as well as Brooks himself.
“I want to apologize to the Memphis Grizzlies organization and fans,” Sharpe said. “I am sorry. More specifically, I want to apologize to Dillon Brooks. He is a fierce competitor and seeing him up close, I get a sense of why he is what he is and why he is wired the way that he is wired. Bruh, I apologize. I wish you the best of luck the rest of the season and continued success."
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