Richard Sherman apologizes for rant against Michael Crabtree

The Seattle cornerback is issuing a public apology for his post-game rant.

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is sorry about the comments he made about Michael Crabtree, according to ESPN's Ed Werder. Sherman called Crabtree a "sorry wide receiver" after making the game-winning pass defense on the wide receiver that sealed the win for the Seahawks.

Sherman was criticized on Twitter and by media outlets across the country following the post-game interview with Fox's Erin Andrews. However, he told NFL Media's Steve Wyche that the outburst came after an encounter on the field and a previous run-in with Crabtree at a charity event. Crabtree has yet to address Sherman's accusations or comments.

Still, despite the animosity between the two players, Sherman is sorry he took away attention from his team's accomplishments. Here is what Sherman told Werder:

"I apologize for attacking an individual and taking the attention away from the fantastic game by my teammates. That was not my intent."

Sherman's head coach Pete Carroll also offered his take on the post-game interview and defended his young cornerback:

"This is a very emotional kid, and this is what drives him," Carroll said Monday. "And I understand that. We did sit down and talk about it because I want him to present himself in his best light. He's an incredible kid. ... So when he puts out those kind of thoughts he has to know what he's saying and understand."
"I think he's very understanding at this point he caused a stir that took something away from the club."

Sherman led the league with eight interceptions and tied for second with 24 passes defensed. He claims to be the best cornerback in the NFL.