Richard Sherman Addresses Recent Police Killings Before Walking out of Press Conference

Seahawks CB Richard Sherman discussed the recent police killings of black men before walking out of his press conference.

September 21, 2016
richard sherman
Image via USA Today Sports/Kelley L Cox

Instead of going in-depth about his team's upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman wanted to get something else off his chest and address the police shootings which led to the deaths of Keith Lamont Scott and Terence Crutcher.

"So, today, obviously we’re playing San Fran and they’re a great opponent. They’ve got some weapons: Torrey Smith, Carlos Hyde. They’re running Chip Kelly’s offense. They do a great job," Sherman said. "They’ve been getting yards, moving the ball, scoring points. But I’m not going to answer any questions today, and it’s no offense to you guys. But I think the state of things in the world today is very... interesting."

Sherman discussed the reception that Colin Kaepernick has received for sitting out the national anthem and how people opposed to his actions are "still missing the point" of Kaep's protest. "I think you have players that are trying to take a stand, and trying to be aware of social issue and try to make a stand an increase people’s awareness and put a spotlight on it, and they’re being ignored," Sherman said. "Whether they’re taking a knee or whether they’re locking arms, they’re trying to bring people together and unite them for a cause. I think that the last couple days, a couple more guys have gotten shot and killed in the middle of the street. And more videos have come out of guys getting killed, and I think people are still missing the point. The reason these guys are kneeling, the reason we’re locking arms is to bring people together, to make people aware that this is not right. It’s not right for people to get killed in the street."

A clearly bothered Sherman expressed his frustration toward the expectations of people of color when encountering the police, and how it still doesn't ensure their safety or livelihood.

And just like that, Sherman left the podium. But he later answered questions from reporters while in the locker room, according to Pro Football Talk. Watch Sherman's statement in its entirety below.

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