Darren Sharper: Former NFL star pleads guilty to sexual assault charges, sentenced to nine years

Former football player faces further rape charges

(Getty Images)

Former NFL star Darren Sharper has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges in Arizona, according to the Associated Press.

Sharper has been accused of drugging and raping women in four states. He entered Monday’s plea deal in Phoenix, over a video line from Los Angeles. He is scheduled to enter a new plea in Los Angeles shortly.

Sharper also faces similar charges in Louisiana and Nevada, and if he pleads guilty to all charges he is expected to face a lengthy prison term. The hearing is Las Vegas is set for next week and the New Orleans hearing will be next month, according to reports.

Sharper played the safety position for the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. He was selected to five Pro Bowls – the NFL’s all-star game – and was named to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team, comprised of the best players at each position in the 2000s.

Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.