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By ROGER MILLS
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 31, 2001
TAMPA -- In the past two seasons, Warren Sapp has recorded an NFL-best 29 sacks, including 161/2 last season. But the four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, who reported to camp at 294 pounds, has his eyes set on a long-standing NFL record.
Sapp, who has 581/2 career sacks in six seasons, said Monday that he plans to go after former Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau's 1984 single-season record of 22 sacks.
And he explained why.
"I don't think a convicted felon should be the all-time (single-season) sack leader; I don't think he should," Sapp said. "I don't think a guy sitting in Rikers Island should have his name on the top of an NFL record book and I'm going to take it down. That's my philosophy."
Gastineau, one of the game's most furious pass rushers in his day, has fallen on hard times and had a number of legal problems. In September he was sentenced to 18 months in jail for failing to complete an anger management course. Gastineau is no longer in prison.
Coach Tony Dungy said the prospect of Sapp recording that number of sacks is not that far-fetched.
"I think he could," Dungy said. "We looked at the tape and realistically, although he had 161/2, we thought he had a sack against Minnesota that they ended up calling an incomplete pass.
"He had a couple of others that were close. So he was close to a 20-sack year last year. He has to stay healthy. He has to be ahead a lot. But in this era, when they're throwing as many passes as they are throwing, I think it is realistic."
What will help Sapp get there is the weight he trimmed from last season. Sapp said he got up to 330 pounds.
"About four weeks into the 16-week conditioning program, when I had taken about 20 pounds off, I was running around and I looked at (defensive end) Steve (White) and said, "I don't know how the hell I was doing it last year at 330,' " Sapp said.
"He was like, "I don't know either.' I was watching the film and thinking, "Ugh, look how fat I was.' It was not a pretty sight, it really wasn't."
TAKING PRECAUTIONS: With the recent heat-related death of University of Florida freshman Eraste Autin, the Bucs entered training camp paying extra attention to the heat and hydration.
Sunday night, the team had a doctor prep the team about staying hydrated entering two-a-day workouts.
He instructed players to ingest as much as three bottles of fluids the night before practice.
"We spent a little more time on that because of what happened," Dungy said.
But Monday's blistering heat still took its toll. Tight end Todd Yoder had to be carted off toward the end of practice and quarterback Ryan Leaf also had to be treated for the heat. Safety Dexter Jackson needed three IV bags and, along with Yoder, was held out of the afternoon session.
"We're practicing in Florida, with the heat, in pads for the first time, with helmets and it becomes a little bit tough," Dungy said.
"Usually, by the third or fourth practice people get used to it."
A NEW LEAF?: If you're looking for a sign that Leaf is not the ogre his reputation indicates, consider his question to the Bucs public relations staff at the end of the first practice: "Where do I go to sign autographs?"
Leaf, along with defensive end Simeon Rice, fullback Mike Alstott, safety John Lynch and a number of other players, spent 15 minutes signing for fans along the railing in front of the stands at Pepin/Rood Stadium.
"I try to be the same person I've always been," Leaf said. "It's just been a different atmosphere (here).
"I don't feel like I've changed."
OTHER INJURIES: Offensive guard Russ Hochstein fractured his right hand during the morning practice and will miss a week. Other injuries included receiver Frank Rice (right hamstring strain), running back Jamie Wilson (left hamstring) and cornerback Terrance Parrish (right Achilles sprain).