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King County District Court Judge Fa'amomoi Masaniai released NFL cornerback Richard Sherman from jail without bail following his arrest at his in-laws home on July 14. Judge Masaniai described Sherman as a "pillar of the community" and considered his previously clean arrest record when making his decision. In addition, Sherman's wife, Ashley, and his attorney, Cooper Offenbecher, spoke on his behalf.
"I am committed to helping Richard get the support and care that he needs. Richard has always been a loving father and husband. And we are looking forward to seeing him at home with his family," Ashley Sherman said before the court.
"Richard Sherman is among the best in our community. He is a good person and a good soul. He is taking these allegations very seriously," Offenbecher added.
While Jude Masaniai did release Sherman, he did warn the NFL cornerback that he is suspected of committing the following crimes: resisting arrest, criminal teaspassing, malicious mischief and driving under the influence. As a result, there are several regulations tied to his release. The NFL cornerback is not allowed to consume alcohol or possess a firearm during his release. In addition, he is not allowed to make contact with his father-in-law, Raymond Moss.
Sherman's legal issues stem to a string of incidents that began late Tuesday evening and carried into the early hours of July 14. Police reports accuse Sherman of drinking heavily in his Maple Valley, Washington home before getting behind the wheel of his car. In the hours that followed, a car registered to Sherman crashed into a construction site and was abandoned at a nearby parking lot. Responding officers attempted to find Sherman and administer a test to identify his blood alcohol levels. However, they were unable to locate the NFL cornerback until he appeared at the home of his in-laws. After he arrived, Moss accused Sherman of attempting to break in to his home, so he called the police.
"The family began to yell in fear,'' Moss told police.
"I used pepper spray on Sherman's face through the partially opened door as he was still banging and attempting to gain entry. I told him to stop. I armed myself with my handgun at this time fearing for the safety of myself and my family.''
Officers arrived shortly thereafter and attempted to arrest him, but they claim that Sherman resisted. Responding officers also accuse the NFL cornerback of exhibiting "severe mood swings and slurred speech." Ultimately, he was taken into custody just after 6 a.m. on July 14 and booked on burglary domestic violence charges.
Attorney Cooper Offenbecher is expected to appear in court on Sherman's behalf on July 16 at 5 p.m. ET.
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