Warren Sapp: Richie Incognito called me the N-word during game
As the debate rages on over whether or not Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito is racist, Warren Sapp has been kind enough to share a personal story about a time he and Incognito faced one another. Sapp is always happy to deflect attention onto himself, but that’s a story for another day.
During an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” Wednesday, Sapp claimed Incognito once called him the N-word during a game.
“I beat him up so many times it don’t make sense,” Sapp said of facing Incognito. “One time he kicked me in a game and called me the N-word. I looked at him and said, ‘Oh, you want me to punch you in the mouth so they kick me out of the game.’ I said, ‘I got a better plan for you. I’m gonna beat your quarterback up so they cut your ass.’
“He kicked me and called me the N-word. I said, ‘Really? That’s all you got (laughing).'”
Sapp was then asked if the exchange bothered him.
“No, come on,” he replied. “That’s a term of endearment where I’m from. Come on, in a football game? He only wants to get me kicked out. He don’t wanna fight because the only thing he’d have to do is call me after the football game. Just come over to the locker room and say it after the game.”
Sapp went on to explain that calling people names and hitting below the belt — figuratively speaking — is normal during a game. He admitted that he has done plenty of it, but he said the surprising thing about Incognito’s situation with Jonathan Martin is that they are teammates.
“Sometimes you say stuff to a guy during games that can really throw them off,” he said. “You normally don’t do it to your own teammate. Offensive lineman are like cattle. They go in groups. There’s never one. There’s always two or three. … If an offensive line alienates one of their own, that’s something in a football environment that I have never seen.”
It doesn’t sound like Sapp was accusing Incognito of being racist. Rather, he was trying to highlight that he acts like a d-bag. We really didn’t need any evidence aside from this video to realize that. Plus, Incognito is an honorary black guy. He’s allowed to use the N-word.
Full Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin history:
Jonathan Martin reportedly went AWOL after cafeteria prank
Jonathan Martin reportedly called ‘Big Weirdo,’ bullied by teammates
Richie Incognito said to be one of Jonathan Martin’s main tormenters
Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito text message conversation
Jonathan Martin reportedly left Dolphins because of emotional issues, not bullying
Jonathan Martin ‘genuinely scared’ of what Richie Incognito might do to him
Richie Incognito suspended indefinitely by Dolphins
Richie Incognito reportedly told Jonathan Martin ‘I’ll kill you’ in racially charged voicemail
Report: Richie Incognito will never play for Dolphins again
Video: Richie Incognito dropped N-bomb during fit of rage at a bar
Antrel Rolle: Jonathan Martin is a ‘grown-ass man,’ just as much to blame as Incognito
Dolphins coaches reportedly asked Richie Incognito to toughen up Jonathan Martin
Richie Incognito makes first comments, says ‘this will pass’
Dolphins players reportedly felt Richie Incognito was ‘honorary’ black man