Richard Sherman said it’s “just a bunch of nonsense”. Michael Bennett called it “trash” and “gossip”.
What are these two Seattle Seahawks stars talking about?
An article on ESPN.com by Seth Wickersham, claiming there is a locker room rift between the defense and the offense involving Sherman and quarterback Russell Wilson.
The article entitled “Why Richard Sherman can’t let go of Seattle’s Super Bowl loss”, cites anonymous sources in detailing Sherman’s continuing frustration about the Seahawks loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl 49. According to the story, Wickersham writes that Sherman is still upset about the ill-fated decision to pass instead of run at the goal line in the final minute and coach Pete Carroll’s defense of that decision.
“He has told teammates and friends that he believes the Seahawks
should have won multiple Super Bowls by now. And with just one
trophy and the window closing fast, he has placed responsibility for
that failing on the two faces of the franchise: Wilson and Carroll.”
Wickersham also writes that there is a feeling within the locker room that Wilson is not held accountable to the same level as other players. He references some Seahawks joking that Carroll’s “Tell the Truth Monday” should be renamed “Tell the Truth to Certain People”.
Sherman responded to the article Thursday on Sirius XM NFL Radio. “It’s just a bunch of nonsense from anonymous sources. Can never put much gravity of things like that.”
Bennett took to Twitter to dispute the story posting, “This article is trash and should be on TMZ. It’s all gossip. I’m Surprised this came from you.”
https://t.co/oyFZxuSLHx @espn @ESPNNFL this article is trash and should be on tmz it's all gossip I'm Surprised this came from you
— Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) May 25, 2017
Wickersham appeared on ESPN Radio’s Ryan Russillo Show heard locally on KPUG Thursday and was asked about Bennett’s claims. He said, “I would like him to see my phone and see all the people in the building who say I nailed it.
'@SethWickersham's response with us just now:
"I'd like him to see my phone and see all the people in the building who say I nailed it." https://t.co/cKRQrKCOpj
— Carlin vs. Joe (@CarlinvsJoe) May 25, 2017
Bennett posted another tweet Thursday calling Wilson a great teammate, friend and better human.
I love @DangeRussWilson great teammate n friend and even better human .I was at his house last week and he gave me BBQ ribs
— Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) May 25, 2017
Bennett posted more possibly related content on Twitter Friday. First a photo of he and Wilson writing “Team is everything in this sport”. Then a photo of he and Sherman writing “I love playing with my brother @RSherman_25 he is the best at everything he does”.
According to Wickersham the artcle is based on interview with “numerous current and former Seahawks players, coaches and staffers”. Carroll is quoted, but Wilson and Sherman both declined comment for the story.
According to both Carroll and G.M. John Schneider the Seahawks were entertaining calls in the off-season from other teams interested in trading for Sherman. Schneider said in late April the team “kind of moved past” that possibility. In early May, Carroll said there were no longer any plans or discussion to trade the star cornerback.
(KPUG – Doug Lange)
