Over the past few days, media outlets have inundated us with the news of Richard Sherman‘s arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. According to reports, WA State Patrolman Trooper Jordan Hazzard-Thomas, who assisted in the traffic stop, noticed “the odor of intoxicants” and that Sherman’s eyes appeared to be “bloodshot and watery.”
The timing of the arrest could not be worse for Sherman. He was still in the process of repairing the damage to his reputation stemming from his drunken driving and domestic disturbance in 2022.
In addition, there were not a lot of other hot topics in the sports world that demanded a lot of attention, which meant the Sherman story would have everyone’s undivided attention. From the outside looking in, it seems his most recent run-in with the law was avoidable. Raising a simple question, why didn’t he use an alternative method of travel instead of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks?
Perhaps it was ego. Maybe he thought if the authorities pulled him over, ran his license plate, and recognized he was a founding member of the Legion of Boom. They would let him off with a warning. Given his recent track record in the community, that would be flawed logic.
Maybe he didn’t want anyone else to know his whereabouts at the witching hours of the night. Yet, TMZ has a way of finding things out and broadcasting these findings to the world. It’s hard for high-profile athletes and entertainers to trust those who have no vested interest in their public persona. A taxi cab confession that could ruin their image is the last thing they need in their lives.
The decision to get behind the wheel was a show of laziness and indifference, in my opinion. Sherman probably didn’t want the hassle of doubling back later to get his car and thought he was sober enough to arrive at his destination safely.
Whatever the case may be, there are consequences to his decision. Once again, he is mired in legal issues that will most likely lead to the end of his broadcasting career. It was irresponsible to risk everything, and in hindsight, I’m sure he wishes he would have invested in a full-time driver rather than deal with all of this turmoil.
You would think other athletes and entertainers would use the Richard Sherman case study as an example of what not to do, but history has a cruel way of repeating itself. It’s not a matter of if but when we will hear a similar story with a regrettable outcome. I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it.
