Seahawks’ Richard Sherman delivers referendum on sportsmanship, race, personal values
...excerpt from article...
"
Sherman was somewhat contrite afterward. In a column he wrote for Sports Illustrateds Monday Morning Quarterback, he explained some of his grievances against Crabtree, the source of most of his venom. Sherman acknowledged, A lot of what I said to Andrews was adrenaline talking, and some of that was Crabtree. I just dont like him.
On Monday, Sherman texted a mea culpa via ESPNs Ed Werder: I apologize for attacking an individual and taking the attention away from the fantastic game by my teammates. ...That was not my intent.
On his ESPN 710 radio show Monday, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll talked about Richard being Richard. And it is in that context I view this incident. To label him a thug, as many have done, because of a penchant for trash-talking is misguided.
Sherman writes, It was loud, it was in the moment, and it was just a small part of the person I am. I dont want to be a villain, because Im not a villainous person. "
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Carroll said Monday, I dont think he really wanted to send any personal messages. It just kind of came out in the heat of the moment and the emotion of it. Even after the game, he still was very emotional.
Im never going to complain about an athlete who reveals what is inside his heart and mind in entertaining fashion. Its what we live for in the media. Ive always found Sherman to be a friendly, engaging fellow of obvious intelligence, one who has a history of doing good work in the community.
(Quotes from the article---my blockquote isn't working)
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In another article, Sherman apologized, and he did suggest he has an issue with Crabtree. I believe he acted in the heat of the moment. He stated, to the effect, that it was 'not' his intention to take any glory from the professionalism and excellence of the rest of the team.
I thought the interview was great. It reminded me of nothing so much as Clubber Lang taunting Rocky Balboa in Rocky III. All that was missing was the invitation to Ms. Crabtree to get with a real man. Its nice to see professional athletes so passionate. I've stopped watching pro basketball because it doesn't seem worth my time and money to watch people go through the motions for an entire regular season.
The fallout over the last few days from the interview has been less pleasant. Everybody is trying to make Sherman into the symbol and embodiment of some issue or the other. I wish people would take it for it was, a man who just made the most important play of his life in the most important game he's played getting carried away by his emotions and stop over analyzing into some big point about the state America. If any situation calls for irrational exuberance, it was the one Sherman found himself in.
How many "thugs" graduate Stanford University?
Thanks to all of you for supporting the discussion and offering your thoughts! I enjoyed reading them all!
Egilman--- Thank you for that info re Sherman and Crabtree. I thought the reaction was 'bigger' in motivation than just the game. I knew there was some 'history' involved. I also read this comment elsewhere that could have significance in Sherman wanting to let the world know "Don't you ever talk about me" as he had said in his interview : " Harbaugh bad mouthed himduring the draftat Stanford to plummet himinthe selection standingsjust because he was in his doghouse. "
True or not, his post game interview could have been a double-edged sword, taking a national jab stab at both of them.
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John-- A ploy for endorsements using a set-up interview could very well be! No matter what, anything is possible.
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Sean-- Your Rocky analogy was awesome! Made me smile. Yes, I love the passion, too. I think there was a lot of it in his several interviews, also, pent-up emotion for many reasons, and a his spirit finding a way to deal with the reality of an end-zone play that meant his team had a shot at the Superbowl. Everything aside, I wish both the Broncos and the Seahawks good luck. I've been a Broncos fan since John Elway, then Peyton. I'd love to see the Hawks win, though; I think they have earned it with their remarkable defense.
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Robert G.--- I agree it was a thuggish act, and he knew he was wrong calling-out, like that, and apologized. However, I felt the passion, the anger and frustration with those that he was feeling that have bad-mouthed him, and here was his chance at showing 'those' what the "best" corner with "good hands" (quotes of words that Harbaugh said of his Crabtree) can do. ..Poetic Justice? ..Maybe.
Airing his dirty laundry publicly wasn't 'cool' , but the fact that he was able to hang it on their 'line' so to speak... kinda was!
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O. M.--- Good point. It was stated that he was straight A in high school, as well. Maybe sports influence was involved, but nonetheless, all signs point to a quality person.