Police Respond as Bucs Hall of Famer Warren Sapp Disrupts Tampa City Council Flood Project Meeting

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp disrupted a Tampa City Council meeting yesterday, Thursday, September 18, 2026, during a discussion about a contentious flood prevention project in South Tampa. The disturbance led to a temporary halt in council proceedings and a police response.

Sapp entered an office adjoining the council chambers late yesterday afternoon. Council chairperson Alan Clendenin paused a presentation from city staff, stating, “We’ve got something going on out here, I can’t pay attention.” Clendenin then went into the office. Upon returning to the dais, he announced a pause in proceedings and asked a legislative aide to lock the doors leading into the chambers.

The disorder continued in the adjoining room. Minutes later, Clendenin again paused a staff presentation, striking his gavel. He ruled the individuals in the offices being disruptive out of order and stated they refused to leave the premises after he asked them to. Clendenin then called a recess, asking attendees to remain in their seats. The meeting resumed several minutes later. More than 20 minutes after that, Clendenin informed attendees they could leave the room.

The Tampa Police Department issued a statement regarding the incident. Police officers responded to a request to trespass Sapp for the day due to creating a disturbance. Officers asked Sapp to leave. Sapp, when reached for comment, claimed he was at City Hall to pick up “some paperwork” when Clendenin entered the room he was in and told him to “get out.”

The incident highlights potential challenges for maintaining order during public meetings, especially when high-profile individuals are involved. The City Council will likely review its procedures for managing disruptions in public forums.