Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman is a great player, but he’s just not that popular among fans. And there’s a reason for that.

    Sherman made the game-winning play of the NFC Championship, a pass breakup on a throw to Michael Crabtree in the endzone that linebacker Malcolm Smith intercepted as he was trailing the play. The play ended the game as the Seahawks took a few knees to end a 23-17 win. However, winning the game apparently wasn’t enough for Sherman.

    While still caught up in the win, Sherman couldn’t help himself as he went over and slapped Crabtree on the behind. And then gave the choke sign to the 49ers. Sound like a bad winner? Sherman was just warming up.

    Fox’s Erin Andrews found him on the field right after the game ended to ask him about his fantastic play.

    “I’m the best corner in the game,” Sherman said. Well, didn’t say … more like bellowed. “When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s what you’re going to get. Don’t you ever talk about me.”

    Andrews, seemingly shocked and a little confused, asked who was talking about him.

    “Crabtree,” Sherman said. “Don’t open your mouth about the best, or I’m going to shut it for you real quick.”

    Sherman was saved from further inappropriate remarks because the reporter threw coverage back to the booth, but it was too late to keep the sports world from buzzing.

    The saddest part about the bizarre behavior is the message it sends to the youngest football fans – kids watching who look up to pro athletes and want to emulate them. The ones with parents and coaches who try to teach them to be polite and respectful, win or lose. The ones who are just learning to deal with how to lose (or win) with grace and dignity. The ones most likely will not end up playing a professional sport for a living, but who will take the lessons learned into other aspects of their lives. Richard Sherman did those kids a disservice.

    Athletes do amazing things both on and off the field all the time, whether it is a Super Bowl game or a pee wee match. Learning that there is more to life than winning or losing, more to what makes up a person than whether or not he’s the best at what he does, is important. Richard Sherman could learn a lot from those coaches and players, young and old, who play, win, and lose with class and dignity.