Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS defensive tackle Warren Sapp is known for his big mouth almost as much as his big plays on defense. Sapp enjoys verbally sparring with opponents to get an edge during the game. Plus, his offbeat quotes often show up in newspapers or get broadcast on television. But in 2003, the NFL felt Sapp went too far when his taunting began even before the kickoff.

During a Monday night game against Indianapolis, Sapp skipped through the Colts’ area as they stretched before the game. And at 6-feet-2-inches tall and 303 pounds, he wasn’t trying to sell anybody Girl Scout cookies.

Following complaints by the Colts, the NFL reacted with a fine and a penalty warning. The 2003 season marked the first time that officials took the field 50 minutes prior to kickoff to keep a check on pregame taunts.

With the possibility of costing his team 15 yards and precious field position during the game, Sapp stopped his pregame shenanigans and refocused from trash talking to the playing field.

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POINT No one likes to be taunted or ridiculed. But in some sports it all seems like part of the game—like when a baseball catcher chatters to a batter or when a receiver shoves the football in the face of a defensive back after making a big catch. Some players even jump around and celebrate after making a tackle.

But taunting doesn’t have a place in the Christian life. That’s not Christ’s way, so it shouldn’t be our way. And if we’re ever taunted, all we have to do is think about how God would respond. By focusing on his unfailing love, we can deal with other people’s taunts. He’ll show us how to answer put-downs in a way that pleases him.

GOAL! Think about a time when someone ridiculed you or your team. Then remember an experience when you or your team taunted an opponent. Ask God to help your words and actions be like his.