Richard Sherman Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Judge grants Richard Sherman release, downgrades charge

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 7/15/21

The felony burglary domestic violence charge against Richard Sherman has been dropped, and he’s instead been charged with a series of lesser misdemeanors.

Amy Dash of CBS Sports Radio provided the myriad details on the star NFL cornerback’s legal situation as his case was heard before a judge on Thursday:

Hearing Live Updates: Prosecutor asking Judge to prevent Richard Sherman from possessing firearms saying he poses a "risk to himself, his family & the community" due to his suicidal threats, threats to take an officer's firearm & extreme threat order of protection from February
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) July 15, 2021

Richard Sherman's lawyer is now agreeing to a no contact order, and ban on firearms and asking for Sherman's immediate release from jail, citing his lack of criminal history and his achievements in the NFL & in the community, including his charity work & random acts of kindness
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) July 15, 2021

Judge says the law requires he air on side of release for a person's first offense. "I see Mr. Sherman is a pillar in this community, he's a business owner, he's a husband, he's a father… I'm gonna release Mr. Sherman."
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) July 15, 2021

Judge issued a no contact order for Richard Sherman as against a male family member of his wife only. It appears she did not want one pertaining to herself…
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) July 15, 2021

State is not asking for a burglary charge against Richard Sherman. It downgraded booking to a charge of criminal trespass which is a misdemeanor. He faces 1 count of these misdemeanors: criminal trespass (domestic violence designation), malicious mischief, DUI & resisting arrest
— Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) July 15, 2021

Sherman was initially arrested when he tried to break into his in-laws’ residence, was being aggressive and resisting arrest. Law enforcement who responded at the scene found Sherman intoxicated and arrested him after he resisted.

Prior to that incident, Sherman was connected to a hit-and-run, which he’s still responsible for, as is evident in his misdemeanor DUI charge.

According to reports surrounding the incident and a 911 call that surfaced, Sherman was threatening to take his own life, which is why the judge imposed a ban on firearms.

As the judge alluded to, it is true that Sherman has been a model citizen who’s not gotten into any trouble off the field of note throughout his Hall of Fame NFL career. Prior to this intense situation, he was likely to sign with a team before the start of NFL training camps.

Now, it’s more a matter of getting his mental health right before anything football-related should be discussed.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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