I respect Richard Sherman. He’s a great player. As a Niners fan and a Knicks fan, he reminds me of how Knicks fans viewed Reggie Miller: brash, rude, and worthy of fear. I don’t have a problem with what he said last night; he earned the right to say it. But I also don’t think people who do have a problem with it are racist, necessarily. Plenty of people are racist, and plenty of people said racist stuff about Richard Sherman. I’m definitely not arguing against that. I’m only saying that if you don’t like it when winners take the losers and rub their faces in it instead of saying “good game”, you’re not necessarily a racist. You’re a fan of something called sportsmanship.
I guess this is backlash-to-backlash-to-backlash?
One more time, so it’s clear: the dude is a world class football player, a good citizen, and a smart man. No one should be acting like he’s not. I think he plays with an attitude that makes him as good as he is. I hope the Niners are in a position to shove it back down his throat next year, and I hope that the Broncos eviscerate the ‘Hawks, but I think it’s fine if he wants to talk trash. I’m only saying that criticism of the way he handled himself here and in the postgame press conference is not inherently racist.
Repeat for emphasis: it is disgusting and unforgivable to use racist language to condemn anyone. Also, this one act does not define Richard Sherman. Also, a white player might not be subject to the same derogation if he uttered the same remarks. I agree with all of that. Only saying that if you’re not a fan of these remarks, if you’re not a fan of guys who strut after a victory, you are allowed to think this was a little disappointing.