Clayton: What ESPN story reveals about Seahawks, Richard Sherman
May 26, 2017, 12:07 PM
(AP)
Here are my thoughts on Seth Wickersham’s ESPN The Magazine story about the Seahawks and some of their internal scuffle.
First of all, Seth is a friend and great co-worker at ESPN. Known him for years. Respect him a lot. Excellent reporter and writer.
For weeks, those over in the VMAC feared how this story would come out. Would it portray Russell Wilson in a bad light? How would Richard Sherman be judged? Was there a major split among the players?
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Though it may sound as though the Seahawks have a dysfunctional locker room, understand that it’s not as bad as you would think. If it was that bad, the Seahawks wouldn’t have advanced to the conference semifinals and beyond for five consecutive years. In many ways, great teams have this type of drama – although the Seahawks might have more emotion than many of the other top teams.
The timing of the story actually could work to the benefit of Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Clearly, Sherman had issues with what was going on with the team last year. You saw it when he called out offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell for calling a pass at the 1-yard line. You saw it when he was upset with a call on defense.
Seth’s article fully explains why Sherman was available in trade conversations – talks were not going to lead to a trade. Unless the Seahawks could get first- and third-round picks for Sherman, or a first and a fourth, trading him would have been a mistake. The Seahawks couldn’t trade their best corner at a time when DeShawn Shead is coming off knee surgery and Jeremy Lane is coming of a shaky season.
Sherman wasn’t happy with things last year, but understand where he is coming from. Sherman hates losing. Like Wilson, he will sacrifice his body to win games. He played in the playoffs with an elbow that could have had Tommy John surgery. He’s played with a bad knee.
If Sherman’s issue is losing out on chances to win multiple Super Bowls, he is taking it personal. Sherman admits losing can lead him to tears. He cares. Wilson handles things differently. Although losing hurts him, Wilson is going to stay more positive and look ahead to the next opportunity. Carroll is also positive, so while Wilson and Carroll will try to move on from losses, Sherman struggles with them.
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But let’s look at the big picture. The timing of the article could lead to turning positives into negatives. These stories are now out in the public. It gives time for Sherman and maybe others to forget the Super Bowl loss.
Remember 2013. The Seahawks were having issues with PED suspension, including a a four-game suspension levied upon linebacker Bruce Irvin that May. Carroll used the OTAs and minicamp to gather the players and remind them about player accountability. Carroll reminded players that a suspension may hurt the player, but it also hurts the team and his teammates. Players became accountable and the problem never resurfaced.
The final thought is the incidents noted in the Wickersham story happened over years. Gee Scott said it best, noting that the Seahawks have some dirty laundry, but dirty laundry can be cleaned.
Want more John Clayton? Listen on-demand to his weekday and Saturday shows as well as his “Cold Hard Facts” and “Clayton’s Morning Drive” segments on 710 ESPN Seattle. Also, check out his all-new “Schooled” podcast and look for his columns twice a week on 710Sports.com.