Warren Sapp

Warren Sapp (born December 19, 1972 in Orlando, Florida) is a professional football player for the NFL's Oakland Raiders. Sapp is known for his intense and aggressive defensive play, his swift and powerful tackling, and (when periodically substituted on offense) his ability to cast aside multiple defenders with ease.

"You F'd up, put on a jersey"

On November 24, 2002, at Raymond James Stadium, Sapp drew wide criticism for leveling the Green Bay Packers' Chad Clifton. There was a national debate on whether the hit was a cheap shot, as replays showed that Clifton and Sapp were far away from the play during the interception, but the route Dwight Smith took on the return may have eventually put Clifton in position to make the tackle, had Sapp not laid the block on him. The hit sent Clifton to the hospital with a serious pelvic injury and ended his season. Following the 21-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers victory, Sapp and Packers' coach Mike Sherman exchanged heated words. Initially nonchalant about the incident, Sapp at first reached out to shake Sherman's hand, but Sherman would have none of it, and appeared to have uttered something under his breath towards Sapp. On national television, Sapp told Sherman: "You f---ed up. Put on a jersey...You're so tough? Put a jersey on...win some games." One year after the incident, Sapp was named the enemy of Wisconsin in the Sports Illustrated's 50th anniversary edition. Clifton has since recovered from the injury and still plays for the Green Bay Packers.

Related Topics:
November 24 - 2002 - Raymond James Stadium - Green Bay Packers - Chad Clifton - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Sherman - Wisconsin - Sports Illustrated

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