Former NFL star Richard Sherman, known for his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, encountered legal trouble early Saturday when he was detained on suspicion of driving while impaired, according to King County court records.
The 35-year-old ex-cornerback was taken into custody at approximately 4:51 a.m. and booked into the King County Jail, though specifics of the incident were not disclosed initially.
Both the Washington State Patrol and the King County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged Sherman’s arrest but withheld further comments, with the latter awaiting details to decide on charging.
Richard Sherman (Credits: KOMO News)
This incident isn’t Sherman’s first brush with the law regarding similar charges. In July 2021, Sherman faced arrest under allegations including driving under the influence among four other misdemeanor charges.
A subsequent agreement with King County prosecutors in March 2022 led to Sherman pleading guilty to two misdemeanors and a traffic infraction, specifically first-degree negligent driving, second-degree criminal trespass, and speeding in a construction zone.
The resolution included a two-year court supervision and mandatory attendance at a DUI victim’s panel. Reflecting on the 2021 arrest during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sherman acknowledged the incident as a pivotal moment that spurred significant personal growth.
He openly discussed seeking therapy and other forms of help to address previously unacknowledged issues, emphasizing the importance of asking for help and the commonality of such struggles.
Sherman’s illustrious NFL career began with the Seahawks in 2011, where he played a key role in the “Legion of Boom” secondary. This formidable defense was instrumental in securing the franchise’s sole Super Bowl victory.
Sherman’s career trajectory took him to the San Francisco 49ers post-2018 release by the Seahawks, leading to another Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season, and concluded with a season at Tampa Bay in 2021 before his retirement.
In his post-playing days, Sherman transitioned to sports broadcasting, contributing to Amazon Prime Video’s NFL coverage on Thursday nights. His recent legal challenges highlight the complexities faced by athletes off the field, underscoring the importance of support and rehabilitation amidst personal adversities.
