Marco Pappa Feels Stabbing Gave Him Strength

Marco Pappa is using his strange and still unclear stabbing in late 2015 as fuel for his 2016 campaign as a Colorado Rapid.

In the early morning of December 17, 2015, former Seattle Sounder (and current Colorado Rapid) Marco Pappa suffered a two-to-three-inch stab wound in his left side, according to police reports.

That, alone, would be enough to garner national attention: what pro athlete finds himself randomly stabbed (cue Boston Celtics fans re: Paul Pierce)? But the poking of Pappa seemed to feature everything from which social media and tabloids were made for: blood, sports, and a sexy beauty queen (the Guatemalan national was found with 23-year-old Stormy Keffeler, a former Miss Washington who has since relinquished her crown).

Talk about telenovela!

Then, to make matters worse, we can’t forget that the entire stabbing incident took place just two days after the Rapids signed him. Let’s not even consider the concerns Pappa’s new team might have had over Pappa’s mental state or ability to keep his nose clean; certainly they had to be concerned that their big off-season signing might not even be available to play for part of the 2016 season, since his wound required emergency surgery.

News of Pappa’s stabbing lingered for some time:

But, as 2016 approaches, Pappa has opted to take his controversial holiday season head on. In a recent interview with the The Denver Post, Pappa says that the stabbing incident actually made him stronger. 

“I’m just looking forward, moving on. This made me stronger than ever,” Pappa told The Denver Post. “I’m really lucky I have my second opportunity. God gave me this chance, I can still play in the game I love.”

This is an interesting choice of words, seeing as he hasn’t practiced at full-strength, yet expects to be game-ready for the season opener on March 6 at San Jose.

Will Marco Pappa be ready to shine in Colorado in 2016?

Luckily for Pappa, his stabbing incident will likely have little to no impact on his physical capabilities. But does that mean that his move to Colorado will help make him a respected star in the league?

I doubt it.

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Although he’s been promised to be given the role of playmaking Number 10 – where he admittedly shines – how good can a playmaker be if few people can execute those plays?

I expect Pappa to be one of the best players on the Rapids squad this year. But really, is that saying much?

Interestingly, the MLS is still investigating the incident. Pappa was suspended by the league for his DUI and was obligated to attend a substance abuse and behavioral health program. I suppose only time will tell if Pappa’s learned from his lessons, or will merely take his escapades a mile high.