Warren Sapp has been on something of a losing streak over the last few weeks, and things appear to be on the verge of going from bad to worse. Just days after news of his having recently filed for bankruptcy hit the wire, reports are now emerging that the NFL Network will probably sever its relationship with Sapp as soon as possible.
According to the Boston Globe’s Greg Bedard, Sapp’s expiring contract (up in August of this year) will likely not be picked by the NFL Network – though the reasoning for that has not yet been disclosed. Most attribute it at least partially to Sapp weirdly saying that Jeremy Shockey was the guy who snitched the New Orleans Saints out to the league for Bountygate, but there could be a myriad of other factors involved.
When the whole mess with Sapp and Shockey initially went down, the NFL Network’s Senior VP of programming, Mark Quenzel, made it clear that Sapp would not be relieved of his duties for what had transpired. While most took that as a sign of the network sticking by its guy, perhaps it was just a matter of the powers that be realizing it would be less messy to wait out Sapp’s contract and cut ties after that.
And for what it’s worth, Sapp hasn’t been back on air since his “outing” of Shockey.
As part of his bankruptcy proceedings, it came out (via TMZ) that the NFL Network pays Sapp $540,000 per year. If the network opts not to renew his contract, that money will presumably be spent on someone who doesn’t have Sapp’s excellent laugh, but also doesn’t out players for various non-offenses (with zero proof, no less).
(Kudos to The Big Lead for the find)
Related Content
Audio: Gregg Williams’ Speech About 49ers Shines New Light on Saints' Bountygate
2012 NFL Mock Draft V5.0: Picks 8-15
as funny as Sapp's laugh is, he doesn't bring ANYTHING unique to TV analysis. frankly..i expected more technical insight from a guy who had as much success as he had in the pros..