Warren Sapp and the law don’t get along too well. The HOFer has had his fair share of run-ins in the past. Some of them solicited, some of them not quite. Most African Americans have fallen victim to prejudicial and fallacious stereotyping by authoritarian figures. Begrudgingly, a lot will attest to cops pulling them over or detaining them on no grounds whatsoever. Now, Warren Sapp isn’t most people. Yet, he’s been on the wrong side of this lamentable prejudice. 

One such incident, seemingly hidden from the public by the powers that be, has come to light. This happened at a city council meeting in Clearwater, Florida. Sapp, as a native of the Sunshine State, was physically present at this hearing in a show of support. The hearing was primarily based on multiple false cases of police brutality and unfounded arrests. At the epicentre of this was activist and YouTuber John Filax, who’s got over a quarter million subs. So you know this was not going to fall on deaf ears. He revealed a terrible incident pertaining to Warren Sapp.

Sapp, standing in silence in the corner, recorded the proceedings on his phone. Utilizing his rights from the 1st amendment. This wasn’t just a case of a public figure trying to get good PR. Warren Sapp was out there standing in unison with his Florida brethren for what’s right. He was there from experience. “[Warren Sapp] appreciates everything that a lot of us here are doing. He is here because of us. He’s here because of you, the citizens,” said Filax.  

Amidst the plethora of wrongful incidents John Filax detailed, he pointed to a cop, Jarred Stiff sitting there in the meeting. This was for arresting Clearwater mayor Brian Aungst. “He put him in a cage, like an animal. For speaking,” remarked Filax. He proceeded to bring a similar situation involving Sapp.

“Warren Sapp was arrested for speaking not too long ago”, claimed Filax. In the environment that he said this in, there is no doubting its legitimacy. Sapp, in the vicinity, obliged with his silence. This “arrest” isn’t on the record, and there’s never been a mention of it. Whether he was simply detained or not, the reason why it was not public knowledge was made apparent. Fair warning, it’s gut-wrenching.

What the cop who arrested Warren Sapp said to him is blasphemous on every level

“You know what the cops said after he arrested him? ‘I didn’t realize you were Warren Sapp’,” said John Filax. This is preposterous and on multiple levels. Firstly, to abuse your power and breach the 1st amendment and free speech. No wonder Sapp was recording all this, in protest, perhaps. Secondly, the racist undertones are very evident, including not recognizing him. Thirdly, letting him free only because he’s who he is. 

If a common civilian was in the same situation, things would’ve turned out very differently. What exactly led to this detainment or arrest remains inconspicuous. Unfortunately, this won’t be the last time this happens. Incidents such as this have become so commonplace in society at large that people inadvertently bat an eye. It’s excruciatingly normal. One would hope a figure of Warren Sapp’s ilk going through it can bring about change.

Sapp continues being a stand-up figure. He’ll tell you himself that he wavered off-path a few years ago. It’s not uncommon for athletes to post-retirement. Finding your purpose can be difficult. It appears Sapp has finally found his. Through coaching kids, which he’s stated is a new lease of life, and through helping those in the community. His sheer presence in that meeting is bound to bring some form of justice. Further, his own victimization will help expedite it.