Sideline Taunting Costs Sapp

Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $2,500 by the NFL on Thursday for entering Buffalo’s bench area for a drink of water and taunting the Bills during the Buccaneers’ 31-17 victory Sunday.

The 1999 defensive player of the year, who leads the Bucs with 13 1/2 sacks, drew a penalty for the fourth-quarter incident that occurred after Derrick Brooks tackled Shawn Bryson on the Bill sideline.

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Washington Redskin cornerback Deion Sanders double-clutched before committing to play another year--and said he won’t go much longer.

“Physical-wise . . . I think I could play as long as I want to play,” said Sanders, 33. “But mental-wise, what is there to gain? What can I gain by continuing to play a few more years?”

Asked if he would play next year, Sanders said: “I think I will. I feel like I will.”

Sanders then checked himself.

“Let’s not go down that alley,” he said. “I will play next year. Yes, I will. Most definitely, 100% sure, I will play.”

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Carolina Panther defensive end Jason Peter, 26, is done for the season--and could be facing the end of his career--because of another in a series of neck injuries. . . . After sitting out a game with bruised ribs, Jake Plummer will be back as the Arizona Cardinal quarterback Sunday. . . . An agreement between the NFL and the players union reportedly will allow the league to fine teams up to $3.5 million and two first-round draft picks for violating the salary cap.