Brandon Marshall rips Warren Sapp

Brandon Marshall recorded a video criticizing former NFL player and current television analyst Warren Sapp for ripping the Chicago Bears receiver during a radio interview on Friday.

Marshall, who has disclosed publicly that he has received treatment for borderline personality disorder and anger management, responded Monday morning with a video that appears to have been shot by a camera mounted on his vehicle's dashboard.

"I got a really disturbing heads-up on something Warren Sapp said, called me retarded. That's really disappointing to hear that from an NFL legend, but I'm going to take this as a lesson, and I think we all can learn from this," Marshall said in the video posted online. "Be very careful who you take advice from. You want to surround yourself with good people, godly people. When I look at Warren Sapp, I can't go to him and talk about finances because he filed for bankruptcy. I can't go to him and talk about my marriage because he filed for divorce. I can't go to him and talk about being a father because one day I'm going to have children because he's not active in his children's life."

Sapp, an NFL Network analyst and 13-year veteran who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders sent a message to the Chicago Tribune later Monday apologizing.

"I want to apologize to all those who I offended with my poor choice of words," Sapp wrote. "I certainly meant no disrespect to those who have some type of disability or special needs."

Sapp was asked on Friday's "Dan Patrick Show" for his reaction to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrating his touchdown with his team down 23-0 in the third quarter of a 36-7 loss to the New York Giants.

"These kids that play the game today have no relevance for the past, have no conscious of what it is ... I mean Brandon Marshall talking about Shannon Sharpe ... 'Who is he to talk?' He's the first 100-catch receiver (tight end) back to back, retard," Sapp said. "What you just did in Denver for three years. You don't know this? Of course he doesn't because it's not about Brandon Marshall. It ain't about the past, it's about me because it's about personal success, pay me and now I'll think about being a team guy."

It appears Sapp was actually referring to Shannon Sharpe's brother, NFL Network analyst Sterling Sharpe, who criticized Marshall for his play during a loss to the New York Jets in 2010 when Marshall played for the Miami Dolphins. After hearing of the criticism, Marshall at the time questioned Sterling Sharpe's playing credentials but two weeks later retracted his comments and praised Sharpe's career.

"The lesson that we all should learn here is surround yourself with good people and be careful who you take counsel from," Marshall concluded in his video. "I'm not saying he's been there on my side giving me counsel, but that's not a guy that I can go to. Football doesn't make us. There's more to life than just playing football, so make sure that you have a great balance in your life, surround yourself with good people, and guys like Warren Sapp I feel sorry for. Hopefully one day he will change his life, we'll pray for him, and instead of using words to destroy he may use words to uplift. God bless you guys and have a great day."

Marshall later posted a second video on Monday morning and expounded on his intentions behind his message.

"All we can do is try to encourage him to be better, but at the same time we're going to hold you accountable, Warren," Marshall said. "Just like I'm held accountable. I've made my share of mistakes, and I'm going to continue to make my mistakes, but I'm never going to put myself on a platform or a podium where I think I'm invisible, untouchable.

"Warren, take this as words of encouragement and not words to criticize you or destroy you. This is out of truth and love."

Marshall, in his first season with the Bears after being traded by the Dolphins, has 16 catches for 214 yards and a touchdown this season.


(espn.com)