Richard Sherman is not afraid to speak his mind. The current target of his frustration is NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his new ejection rule.
In an interview with ESPN, transcribed by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Sherman blasted the Goodell for not understanding the game.
“I think it’s foolish, but it sounds like something somebody who’s never played the game would say, something they would suggest, because he doesn’t understand, he’s just a face, he’s just a suit. He’s never set foot on the field and understood how you can get a personal foul.”
As harsh as that is, it’s equally hard to argue with. While they’re all 15-yard penalties, it’s clear that not all personal fouls are the same. Some have fairly obviously malicious intent, while others seem pretty ticky-tack.
In the same interview, Sherman offered his frustration with the rule in comparison with the never-ending questions about what is and is not a catch.
“Because you’ve got a bunch of suits doing it,” Sherman answered. “You’ve got a bunch of guys who never played. They’ve probably touched a football to hold it out or to shake someone’s hand and take a picture but they’ve never played the game.”
Sherman is understandably bothered. Many of the softer personal foul calls negatively impact defensive backs more than anyone. Oftentimes, the difference between a clean hit and a personal foul comes down to whether or not a receiver decides to duck his head. Given that penalties can’t be reviewed, an ejection for two personal fouls seems awfully harsh.
With all of that said, Sherman and the rest of the NFL players should find a way to get over their frustrations by the time the season starts. Every year, the NFL takes more steps towards player safety, and if Goodell is championing this rule there’s a very good chance that it will be implemented by the 2016 season.