Darren Sharper: Former NFL Star On Rape Charge

Sports commentator and former American football star Darren Sharper has been arrested on suspicion of rape, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The 38-year-old Defensive back, who played 14 seasons in the NFL with Green Bay, Minnesota and New Orleans, was charged in connection to two sexual assaults.

The separate attacks allegedly occurred in the West Los Angeles area in October 2012 and earlier this month.

Remi Braden, a spokesperson for the NOPD said no further details about the case would be released.

"As with every case alleging sexual assault, information gathered is extremely sensitive and the top priority of the detectives is to protect the person who filed the complaint. Because this is an on-going criminal investigation, we cannot provide additional information at this time."

During his illustrious career Sharper was selected All-Pro six times and chosen for the Pro Bowl five times. He was with the Saints when they won the Super Bowl in 2010.

After retiring from American football in 2010, Sharper started working as an analyst for the NFL Network in 2012.

NFL Networks spokesman Alex Riethmiller told media outlets that Sharper had been suspended pending further investigations.

"Darren has been suspended without pay until further notice, effective immediately. Regarding the charges, as a matter of policy, we don't comment on pending legal action," he said.

Sharper was released on $200,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on 14 February.