U.S.

Ex-NFL Player Darren Sharper Charged With Rape

Former NFL safety Darren Sharper was charged with two counts of rape Friday, but he's suspected of committing seven rapes across four states.

Ex-NFL Player Darren Sharper Charged With Rape
Los Angeles Times / Liz O. Baylen
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Former NFL safety Darren Sharper was charged with two counts of rape in California Friday.

USA Today reports Sharper, who spent more than a decade in the NFL most recently with the New Orleans Saints, is accused of drugging and raping two women in Southern California — one in October 2013 and the other just last month.

In those accusations, KNBC reports Sharper allegedly gave the two women shot glasses that had a sedative in them after meeting them at a nightclub in West Hollywood. According to prosecutors, once the women passed out, Sharper allegedly raped them.

According to CNN, Sharper was released on a $200,000 bail last month, but the prosecution wants his bail raised to $10 million. Prosecutors say that's because he suspected of committing similar crimes elsewhere.

"Basically, what they're claiming is that he's a serial rapist, he is someone who should not be on the street because he's a danger and he should be put back in jail." (Via ESPN)

In Arizona, KSAZ reports police are investigating allegations that Sharper drugged and then raped two women at an apartment in Tempe in November after they passed out.

Sharper is also accused of raping three other women in Louisiana and Nevada, but, to be clear, he has only been charged in California. All other accusations are under investigation. Overall, The Star-Ledger reports Sharper is accused of seven rapes and 11 druggings across four states.

If Sharper is convicted on his charges in California, he could face up to 30 years in prison.