I should say at the outset that I was pulling for the Seattle Seahawks to defeat the San Francisco 49-ers yesterday for one simple and selfish reason: I didn't want them to win their sixth Superbowl and tie the Steelers' record. So I cheered when Richard Sherman broke up the pass and sealed the Seahawks' victory. No question Sherman is one of the best corner backs in the game.
However, I was appalled at his comments to Fox's Erin Andrews in the moments after the game ended.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/seahawks--richard-sherman-won-t-stop-talking-in-face-of-peyton-manning--broncos--ndash--and-any-vanquished-49er-061904700-nfl.html
In fairness, football is a violent game, where intimidation will always play a role. Adrenaline is also a factor as Sherman said afterward in his own defense. But there was no justification for what he did in taunting Michael Crabtree after the play and giving the choke sign to the 49-ers bench. There was no justification in what he said to Erin Andrews, who was clearly disgusted and rightfully terminated the discussion.
Whatever happened to, "We tip our hats to the other team"?
It is also clear that Sherman did not think twice about what he had said to Andrews as he continued his insults toward Crabtree in post-game interviews. He clearly owes Crabtree an apology.
There is one other aspect of this incident that should be brought out.
Why did Terry Bradshaw, during the handing out of the trophy, call up Sherman and ask him to do a lap around the field with it?
Why did the entire team of Fox commentators covering the game bring Sherman to their table set up on the field for the final broadcast interviews? Game hero or not, after his rant to Ms Andrews, Sherman should not have been put in front of a mic again. In contrast, Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson, who was hardly the star of the game, knows how to conduct himself with class in post game interviews. He provided a welcome relief from his teammate.
Under normal circumstances, I would probably pull for Seattle over Denver in the Superbowl. One player's behavior shouldn't change that. However, I would not mind seeing Peyton Manning torch Sherman when they meet in New York.
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3 comments:
I agree that Sherman went way over the top with his rant. If I am not mistaken though there is some personal history between Sherman and Crabtree... like a fist fight or close to it.
Too bad it was too late to call a penalty for taunting. It has no place in any sport.
I think that Manning and the Broncos are more of a class act than the Seahawks.
All the stuff that you are supposed to learn from sports... teamwork, playing through pain, getting up after you are knocked down, taking direction from coaches, practice, hard work.... all that disappears with low class taunting and sets a poor example for millions, perhaps billions who will watch the Super Bowl.
Miggie,
Actually, there was 15 yard penalty called for taunting, but it made no difference.
Gary,
It must have been at the end of the game or after time ran out. In any event, I missed it.
It would have been something if they called a penalty and had to have another play.
A penalty like that in a championship game would certainly cut down the taunting forever more.
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