Richard Sherman and his awesome antics

Richard Sherman. Over the last few days, Sherman’s name has been all over the headlines in the sports world and for good reason after the Seahawks ousted the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2005.

On the last play of the game, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to test Sherman, the best cornerback in the NFL, by throwing a pass towards the end zone trying to find Michael Crabtree for what would have been the go ahead touchdown with under 30 seconds left. It was the first time all game that Kaepernick decided to throw towards the all pro cornerback and I bet Colin is regretting it now.

The ball was tipped away from Crabtree by Sherman and was intercepted by  Malcom Smith, ultimately sealing the NFC crown for Seattle. Following the play, Sherman, who is known for his extensive trash-talking, patted Crabtree on his rear and it looked as he held his hand out to say “good game.” Crabtree shoved Sherman in the face, causing a pointless penalty since the game was mathematically over. Everyone knows that the Seahawks and 49ers don’t like each other, but in the seconds following the game, the hated rivalry became even more heated.

Everybody knows that Sherman is a fiery competitor but nobody expected that kind of a post game interview. In the days following the game, people have had mixed feelings towards Sherman’s interview. Some have called him a thug and some have praised him for him emotion and love of the game. Sherman even wrote about it himself.

After I watched the interview live, my initial reaction was strictly wow. I couldn’t believe what I had heard, I couldn’t believe that he called Crabtree a “sorry receiver,” yet I loved every minute of it. I rewound the interview many times to make sure I heard it all correctly and never for a second did I not enjoy it. I’ve had a few days to think it all over and my thoughts are the same as they were when everything happened live. Good for Sherman. Too many times in sports nowadays players get scrutinized for simply being passionate and showing emotion. What is so wrong with a player showing emotion after a huge play or win as long as it doesn’t physically hurt someone or isn’t so inappropriate that it offends people everywhere? We forget that the players we all love to watch and admire are still human and they are just like us just with gifted athletic abilities.

I love everything about what Sherman did and said and for the people who have a problem with it then those are the ones who shouldn’t be watching sports. Sports leagues, especially the NFL, need more players like Sherman who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and show emotion. The rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers has become the most heated in the NFL and after the NFC Championship game, it looks as if it will stay that way for a long time.

Now, let’s wait and see if Sherman calls Peyton Manning a “sorry quarterback” after the Super Bowl. That, I think, would be a little bigger story.