Former football star Shannon Sharpe, a member of the Hall of Fame, confessed on Wednesday that he unintentionally broadcasted audio of a sexual encounter on Instagram Live to his around 3.2 million followers, after initially saying he had been hacked.

During a special edition of the “Nightcap” podcast he co-hosts with fellow former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the ex-Denver Broncos tight end expressed his regret for the incident.

“I feel very embarrassed. Being someone who is extremely private, allowing something so personal – the audio – to be heard by the entire world is shameful for multiple reasons,” Sharpe shared.

“Many individuals rely on Shannon to maintain professionalism at all times, and I strive for that, even in private moments.”

The incident quickly gained attention as numerous users shared and commented on the link to Sharpe’s Instagram. He eventually deleted the post, attributing the mishap to his unfamiliarity with the platform.

“I placed my phone on the bed and got involved in an activity,” he explained. “I didn’t know how Instagram Live functions. It was my first time using it, and all of a sudden, my other phone started blowing up with notifications.”

Throughout his 14-year football career, Sharpe won three Super Bowls—two with the Broncos (after the 1997 and 1998 seasons) and one with the Baltimore Ravens (2000). Recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, he earned first-team All-Pro honors four times and was included in the league’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s.

After his playing days, Sharpe transitioned into sports media, engaging in spirited debates with Skip Bayless on FS1’s “Undisputed” before departing from the show last summer.

He has since taken on a role as an ESPN contributor while continuing his podcast with Ochocinco.