23 January 2023 , 18:00
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Shannon Sharpe has apologised for his actions after he argued with Memphis Grizzlies player Dillon Brooks while defending close friend LeBron James at a Los Angeles Lakers game, despite James offering his support to the former Denver Broncos star.
The incident occurred the Grizzlies played the Lakers this past Friday, as a number of Grizzlies players had looked over at the NFL hall of famer before he retaliated and got up out of his chair gesturing at Brooks. This saw Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant intervene, as well as his father, Tee Morant, who came over and had words for Sharpe.
Speaking on his Fox Sports show UNDISPUTED, Sharpe said: "I want to apologise for my behaviour. For the last six-and-a-half years, I have preached responsibility and accountability, and I take full responsibility for what happened.
"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, having so many people look up to me, I was wrong. I should have lowered the temperature in the arena, but I turned the temperature up and I let it get out of hand."
Sharpe when on to apologise to the Lakers, the team owners, the fans in attendance and who watched on television, as well as the Memphis Grizzlies. He also apologised to Brooks, Morant and even LeBron James, as he added: "He is a fierce competitor and I get a sense of why he is what he is and how he is wired. I apologise and I wish you the best of luck. Ja (Morant) it was a privilege to watch you up close and personal. I want to apologise to you.
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"I also want to apologise to LeBron James. Ya'll know how I feel about him and he has supported me through thick and thin and I am sorry I put you in that situation. I was wrong and I am never going to be too big to admit that. I was wrong and I am sorry."
Sharpe had to be restrained by security (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)James was quick to jump to the defence of Sharpe when first asked about the scuffle. He said: "I ride with Shannon 365 days — 366 on a leap year — 24/7. So that's my guy."
Morant's father, Tee, also defended Sharpe after the two had spoken after the game and made amends with one another. He said that the incident between the two had blown over and that he had 'nothing but love' for Sharpe and that they are good.
Sharpe and James have been friends for a number of years, with James being a huge football fan and admirer of Sharpe's accomplishments as a player, winning three Super Bowl's and being recognised as one of the greatest tight ends of all-time.