Richard Sherman: Crazy Person?

Anyone with even a vague knowledge of the NFL knows that Richard Sherman is one of its biggest characters and most talented players. He talks the talk but can - most importantly - walk the walk.

So, the outrage over one of the NFL's most outspoken individuals saying something, erm, outspoken is baffling.

Last night, following the Seahawks emphatic come-from-behind win over their bitter rivals, Sherman launched into a tirade about Michael Crabtree and the perceived disrespect in the 49ers decision to target Sherman on a scoring attempt late in the game:

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

Sherman was interviewed minutes after securing his team's second ever super bowl appearance and was, as human beings from all walks of life are prone to do, caught up in the heat of the moment. He was interviewed later that night and was his usual articulate self. His column on SI.com today saw him heap praise on his teammates and opponents.

What he said isn't new. Smack talk has existed within the NFL for decades - and some of the most revered figures in the sport have had some of the biggest mouths - and can only be seen as a verbal manifestation of the more-violent-than-usual nature of the game that had preceded them: a game that immediately went down as a classic.

The week before, Kaepernick openly mocked Cam Newton's patented 'Superman' celebration, and received little-to-no backlash. Throughout the course of the game, and in the week leading up to it, Crabtree himself had been speaking ill of the Seahawks cornerback. Again, he received little in the way of condemnation, least of all from Sherman - who remained silent all week.

Richard Sherman isn't classless, nor is he a thug. He graduated with a masters degree from one of the most academic colleges in the US, has nothing in the way of off-field issues, a criminal record or even a reputation for dirty play on the field.

Sure, from childhood we are taught to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. To show respect for our opponents and to not gloat - in fear of looking unprofessional, unsportsmanlike and just plain rude. Sherman's behaviour directly contradicts that, but when sports fans tend to idolise forthright characters, it seems a little hypocritical to crucify him for the same thing.

I am of the opinion that the rant was ill-timed and he did little but show himself in an arrogant light, but does he deserve the vitriolic, racist abuse that he's been receiving? Certainly not.