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.

The Skipping Incidents

In 2003, during an October 6 Monday Night Football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sapp was scolded for skipping through and disrupting the Colts players, who were spread out on the field, streching during pre-game warmups. There was much anticipation and national interest going into the game, which was the return of former head coach Tony Dungy to Tampa. The Colts wound up erasing a 21-point deficit in the final four minutes, and defeated the Buccaneers 38-35 in overtime, further adding to the disdain and frustration of fans.

Related Topics:
2003 - October 6 - Monday Night Football - Indianapolis Colts - Tony Dungy - Tampa

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A week later, on October 12, 2003, prior to the game against the Washington Redskins, Sapp was skipping by the Redskins' sidelines, antagonizing his opponents. He then bumped into and knocked over an NFL referee. The incident drew a fine of US $50 000. Sapp's response to the fine further tarnished his public perception: "It's a slave system. Make no mistake about it. Slavemaster say you can't do it, don't do it. They'll make an example out of you."

Related Topics:
October 12 - 2003 - Washington Redskins - NFL

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These were not the first times Sapp had done this. He also skipped through and taunted the Pittsburgh Steelers during pre-game warmups of a December 23, 2002 Monday Night Football game at Raymond James Stadium. Steelers running back Jerome Bettis shoved Sapp, and this was followed by a heated argument between the two teams. Sapp was not fined for the incident, but these incidents just added to his controversial image. Sapp felt that he was made an example by the NFL by being fined for the first skipping incident. "That's all this is about", said Sapp. "In my nine years in this league, no one's been fined for verbally abusing officials. It's unprecedented". The Steelers wound up winning the game 17-7.

Related Topics:
Pittsburgh Steelers - December 23 - 2002 - Monday Night Football - Raymond James Stadium - Jerome Bettis

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Following the 2003 season, discussions between the Buccaneers and the now free agent Sapp never came to fruition and Sapp began to look at the possibility of leaving the Buccaneers.

Related Topics:
2003 - Free agent

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Less than a month after filing for free agency, Sapp appeared on Punk'd, where he was tricked by Ashton Kutcher's crew members who gave Sapp some terrible service at a restaurant.

Related Topics:
Free agency - Punk'd - Ashton Kutcher

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