Ex-Niner says he’s ‘deeply remorseful.’
Cornerback faces five misdemeanor charges
Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman indicated in a statement Friday that his mental health was a reason for his violent episode earlier this week, and said he is committed to getting “the help I need.”
At his arraignment hearing Friday in King County, Washington, Sherman pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges after being arrested at his inlaws’ home near Seattle earlier this week. The charges are driving under the in- fluence of alcohol, reckless endangerment of road workers, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and malicious mischief.
They are all misdemeanors, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, or gross misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year.
Earlier Friday, Sherman posted a statement to Twitter:
“I am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night. I behaved in a manner I am not proud of. I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need. I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time.”
Sherman was arrested Wednesday after King County authorities said he tried to break into his inlaws’ home. According to police, Sherman crashed his car in a construction zone along a busy high
way east of Seattle before attempting to break into his in-laws’ home in the suburb of Redmond. Sherman was reportedly drunk and upset over his children being taken from him.
In audio of a 911 call, a woman who identified herself as Sherman’s wife said he was “drunk and belligerent” and threatened to kill himself.
Sherman initially resisted arrest, according to police, before calming down while being treated at a nearby hospital. He was released without bail after a hearing Thursday.
According to ESPN, King County prosecutors and the sheriff in February obtained an “extreme risk protection order’’ for Sherman, which barred him from having guns after a judge determined he posed a danger Former 49ers corto himself or others.
Sherman, who starred for the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense that helped win a Super Bowl in 2014, played for the 49ers the
last three seasons as a defensive captain. At 33, he is an NFL free agent representing himself in negotiations.