Warren Sapp Speaks Out on $20 Million Lawsuit Due to Wrongful Arrest in Florida

Warren Sapp is one of the most respected players the NFL has ever seen, and it was shocking to find out that he was arrested on Feb 24, 2024, in Okeechobee, Florida.

The arrest itself was captured in a video, which showcases Sapp being taken into custody.

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During the video of his arrest, Sapp is having a conversation with the authorities on the scene. There is some argument about the speed limit that Sapp was allegedly going.

Sapp goes back and forth on the subject, questioning the officer for "doubling the speed limit." Moments later, another officer is telling Sapp he will be charged with "obstruction," leading to the former NFL player stating that obstruction is a "physical act."

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The result of the video is Sapp was handcuffed and taken into custody. Following the arrest, the initial charges levied against Sapp were dismissed by the state attorney, as the police actions were deemed unlawful.

Sapp has since filed a $20 million lawsuit against the sheriff's office in Okeechobee, Florida. He also spoke in detail about the arrest for the first time on "Thee Pregame Podcast."

Sapp joins the podcast to detail what happened regarding his alleged wrongful arrest.

"To be violated in less than 30 seconds and then not to have a supervisor come to me, nothing. Speak to the lieutenant, he don't want to come. Speak to the Sheriff... The Sheriff talk wild at me," Sapp explained, adding that he felt as though he had been mistreated.

Sapp breaks down what he was saying to the officers in the initial video, saying that he spent plenty of time in the area, but hasn't been since his arrest.

The former Buccaneers defensive tackle recounts the alleged racial components of the arrest as well, stating the officer told him to, "Shut your mouth, boy." Sapp also recounts that he was exercising his freedom of speech, and that being told he was in violation of obstruction, despite that being a physical act.

Despite the back and forth, Sapp is now going after the sheriff's department for the wrongful arrest and also explained the details of his lawsuit.

"You know what, just let me get the information and the different things I gotta get. Right when the Internal Affairs guy said he wasn't taking my complaint. Wait, last time I checked Internal Affairs is supposed to investigate the Police.

They just kept hindering my process with the complaint. The lieutenant wouldn't take it, the sergeant wouldn't take it, the Internal Affairs wouldn't take it..."

Sapp alludes to the fact that nobody in the police department or Internal Affairs would listen to the complaint of his alleged wrongful arrest. Due to the issues of the arrest and dealing with both departments ignoring him, Sapp is set to follow through on his lawsuit. He even explained he would give a portion of the lawsuit to a charitable cause for people who have been given the same treatment.

"I'm gonna give a portion to the victims' advocate or people who have been put in this position who can't go get the bodycam, who don't have the money and time to drive 115 miles and file public records request and they going to tell you you got to come back and pick it up because it's too big to email."

Sapp reveals he is willing to put in the work to ensure the Internal Affairs and police department get all the proper information from the bodycam footage of his arrest.

More details will likely come out about this lawsuit, but it appears Sapp has broken down his arrest, his following complaint, and what he plans to do with whatever money he may get from the lawsuit settling.

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