Woah! Warren Sapp is not someone you mess with. We have seen how the Colorado Buffaloes’ grad assistant has always been a no-nonsense coach. When he is suited up in his coaching gear, he wants the best from his crew. Sapp is known for his motivating speeches, keeping the players on their toes. Many might have thought that off the field, Sapp has an easy-going personality. Time for them to get a reality check. Well, back when Sapp was available for the NFL Draft, there were allegations against him that he had tested positive in a drug test. 30 years later, Sapp chose to break the myth but lost his composure in the process.
Back in college, Sapp was known for his illustrious career with the Miami Hurricanes, where he was a defensive standout. Later on, he switched to a defensive lineman. That’s when he hit success and grabbed the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (for best defensive player) in 1994, the Lombardi Award (for best lineman or linebacker), and the Bill Willis Award (for best defensive lineman). So, it was obvious that he was going to spread his wings and fly high in the NFL. Just ahead of the 1995 NFL Draft, Sapp turned heads running the fastest time in the 40-yard dash for a defensive tackle (4.69 sec). With this, he gained attention as a potential top-five or 10 pick. However, a mishap occurred. Everything changed on the eve of the draft. An anonymous report surfaced, slowing down what initially looked like an early selection.
NCAA, College League, USA Football: North Dakota State at Colorado Aug 29, 2024 Boulder, Colorado, USA Colorado Buffaloes senior quality control Warren Sapp in the first half against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Boulder Folsom Field Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRonxChenoyx 20240829_lbm_ac4_335
The night before the NFL draft, The New York Times had released a report citing an anonymous tip that Sapp had failed multiple drug tests. Some of the NFL executives claimed that this was not the first time. Sapp had previously tested positive for ma- – – – – – – and c- – -ine during the NFL scouting combine. Obviously he refuted the claims, like he did on the May 19th episode of the Creative Outfit, inc. podcast, with more conviction. The host, Howard Eskin, questioned, “People may or may not remember when you were drafted, everybody thought the Eagles were going to take you. I think they had the eighth pick in the first round…they didn’t take you because you tested positive.” That’s when Sapp lost his cool. “Whoa, is that 30 years later you’re not going to say allegations or internet…cause you know you don’t have no proof.”
This was followed by a sharp warning, “Be very careful, 30 years later, with your words.” While Eskin tried to throw water to bring down Sapp’s anger, saying that it is no big deal just to fan the flames. The Colorado grad assistant then made himself very clear. “I didn’t take 7/12 test when I was at the University of Miami.” And one could sense the frustration behind that statement. Other than the drug-related allegations, there were other instances that threw dirt at Sapp’s character.
How Warren Sapp bounced back with grit
While growing up, Sapp could not afford a lavish lifestyle, being raised by a single mother. So, once he signed a four-year contract worth $4.4 million, he lived life big size. Do you remember that particular incident when, after bidding goodbye to his NFL career, he was driving his bright blue Mercedes convertible? He blinked the lights and shouted at the big rig blocking him, “Why should I get stuck behind that truck?” After all these years, on his show, Eskin wanted to give him some FOMO.
“Can you imagine how much money you would make today if you were in the NFL today. They paid a cornerback, a defensive back, $25 million.” Whereas Sapp’s highest amount was $6.6 million. However, the coach seems very content with what he has achieved. “Listen, I have a bust in Ohio, I have a statue in Tampa, and my name sits in three NFL stadiums, and one of them is on a Saturday afternoon, so I’m good.” However, his fortune reserve does not look that good.
Warren Sapp earned $58 million over his NFL career. Unfortunately, he could not keep it safe and sound. He filed for bankruptcy in 2012 with $6.7 million in debts. Whereas, many were surprised to learn about his assets. Sapp’s collection consisted of some weird stuff, including 240 pairs of Air Jordan sneakers, a watch worth $2,250, a painting, and a lion skin rug. However, with time, he has recovered from the loss, earning $150k a year now. Controversy tried, but Warren Sapp’s spirit stayed undefeated.
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