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Standing up for Richard Sherman's post-game comments

I'm reading and hearing a lot of complaints about Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman's post-game comments after his team defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to reach the Super Bowl. It was Sherman's deflection in the end zone late in the game which resulted in an interception and sealed the victory for the Seahawks.

After the game, Sherman was fired up and had the following words for Erin Andrews:

"I'm the best corner in the game! When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that's the result you're going to get! Don't you ever talk about me! ... Don't you open your mouth about the best or I'm going to shut it for you real quick!"

Most of the complaints were with regard to a lack of class or sportsmanship displayed by Sherman. But while I'm not going to disagree that Sherman may not have exuded the epitome of class or sportsmanship, people are blowing things a bit out of proportion.

Let's get something straight here - this was not the first time Richard Sherman has made bold, controversial statements to the press. Like it or not, that's one of the things for which he's most well known. In other words, this was about as shocking to me as below-freezing temperatures in the winter where I live (Ohio).

Secondly, these guys are showmen - they get paid to play football and entertain people. Richard Sherman made the play of the game and then did his best pro wrestler impersonation when inquired by the media. Love him or hate him, he garners people's attention - both on and off the field.

Lastly, while I think Sherman is often times a bit over-the-top with his comments, it's also refreshing in a sense. How many NFL players and coaches make comments to the press which aren't filled with cliches? Not many, and the list has been progressively shrinking through the years. So it's kind of nice to have at least one NFL player actually showcase a non-robotic personality. Many have joked that the NFL now stands for the No Fun League. Hopefully people like Sherman, Rex Ryan, and company, can help to alter that trend some - not only for the fans, but for the press as well. While Erin Andrews may have been initially caught off guard by Sherman's comments, in hindsight, I have to believe she's laughing about it, and if there's one response she'll remember from the season or perhaps even her entire career as a sports reporter, Richard Sherman's will be it.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/richard-sherman-erin-andrews-interview/

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