Darren Sharper pleads guilty to sexual assault in Arizona, gets 9-year sentence

The sad story of Darren Sharper's off the field exploits continued Monday when the former Packers safety pled guilty to sexual assault in Arizona. The plea deal will put Sharper behind bars for nine years, according to the Associated Press.

Sharper faces nine total charges in California, Nevada, Louisiana and Arizona. In addition to his sentence in Arizona, he reportedly took a plea deal in Nevada for eight years. The other charges have yet to be adjudicated.

While no longer active, Sharper's actions are the latest on a frighteningly long list of violent crimes against women perpetrated by NFL players. In 2014, Ray Rice became the poster child for the NFL's lack of commitment to protecting women from its employees. For years, players attacking women faced little to no punishment from the league while those committing relatively harmless violations like recreational drug use received much harsher suspensions. Commissioner Roger Goodell faced heavy criticism for the initial two-game suspension handed out to Rice. Goodell later issued an indefinite suspension only to see it overturned.

Sharper played eight years for the Packers. He also spent four years with the Minnesota Vikings and another two with the New Orleans Saints. After retiring, Sharper worked as an analyst for the NFL Network.