13 Days and 5 Ways I'm Still Struggling with Richard Sherman

Since posting my initial reaction to Richard Sherman rant, I'm still struggling. Several significant events have taken place that give the conversation more texture and complexity and depth.  But the challenge, from where I sit, remains the same. Let me catch you up:

1. Richard Sherman got slapped on the wrist.

We learned that the NFL fined Sherman $7,875 for unsportsmanlike conduct, following his actions “mocking” opponents during the NFC Championship game versus the San Francisco 49ers.  He was not fined for his remarkably self-absorbed interview with Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews.  Selfishness is apparently not legislated by the NFL.

2. Richard Sherman became uber famous.

We now know that Sherman gained 299,000 Twitter followers in the 24 hours following the NFC Championship game. Whether from intrigue or allegiance, Sherman's potential influence grew exponentially.  ESPN's "Monday Morning Quarterback" column about him got 4.5 million clicks, shattering a Sports Illustrated digital record.

3. Richard Sherman got even more rich.

Sherman's agent revealed this week that interest in signing Richard Sherman to endorsement deals has "boomed" since his comments.  In fact, the millions that are promised make the NFL's less-than-eight thousand dollar fine laughable. This article conservatively estimates that Sherman will make 5 million dollars from the incident.

4. Richard Sherman sort of apologized.

In the 13 days leading up to the Superbowl, we've heard Sherman deflect, minimize, justify and expound.  What we haven't seen, is an effort to express regret or to communicate how he could have shown more valor and virtue.  In his words, "I may have been wrong in my gestures, but if I had to do it all again, I'd probably do some of the same things."

5. Richard Sherman clearly won the support of the young men I mentor. 

This was a bummer to me. I posted here that I would use this current event to engage my mentees on issues of pride and self-identity.  When asked about their thoughts on Richard, their responses were strong and clear:

I initially explained this phenomenon by considering the influences of my boys growing up in

this urban neighborhood.  On the streets, the strong survive.  Weakness, when expressed, makes you a target.  'Trash talk' is a norm.  Performance is king. And trash talk that is backed up, trumps everything.

But this was far too simplistic.  My boys don't live in an urban bubble.  They are connected to the media world like you and I.  In fact, I'd be willing to bet that they were among the 299,000 new Twitter followers of Richard Sherman.  From afar, they observe how society rewards and punishes behavior.  The storm of money, fame and scrutiny did not take Richard Sherman by surprise.  After all, Sherman holds a degree in communications from Stanford.  But I don't think my boys were surprised by the positive reinforcement either.  They see his face splashed on screens.  They talk about the Dre Beats commercials featuring Sherman more frequently. And they know he is 'getting his.' It's not even a question. This is how our world works, they say. 

The challenge still remains though.  If this is how our world works, how do we communicate that there's more?   In a world, where the first are first and the last are left out, how do we teach virtues that matter?   How do we point them to a kingdom where life is found in giving yourself away? How do we show them that their teammates and co-workers and family members are at least as important as they are, and should be treated even better?  

I think I know the answer.  But it isn't formulaic.  It isn't quick. And it isn't even always fun.

The answer is in showing them.  The answer is in walking with our youth.  The answer is in a long term strategy of being with them in the struggle.  The answer is in mentoring them well.  The answer is in pointing them to Jesus.