| Advertisement |
RENTON, Wash. -- Head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson attempted to downplay discussions of turmoil within the Seattle Seahawks' locker room after a recent article described infighting and friction between members of the offense and defense. An ESPN The Magazine story noted in detail the friction between cornerback Richard Sherman and Russell Wilson over perceived favoritism of the quarterback.
Advertisement
Sherman said publicly last season that the interception Wilson threw at the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX was still an issue with him as he criticized the offense for throwing from the 1-yard line in a game against the Los Angeles Rams in December.
Sherman was made available for trade by the team this offseason, but it didn't appear that Seattle got anywhere close to receiving an offer considered reasonable in exchange for the All-Pro cornerback.
While the article detailed some of the issues that led to Sherman's multiple blowups at members of the coaching staff last year and the root of some of the friction, Carroll insisted that most of what was chronicled stemmed from situations long since past.
"We're kind of living as a family in this situation," Carroll said. "These guys have grown up with us as football players and in that, we go through a lot of changes. There's a lot of things that happen, there's a lot of challenges in all directions, not just for one but for all of our guys.
"I know I'm dedicated, I'm dedicated to making progress as we go. That doesn't mean everything is always going ahead exactly as you plan. Sometimes there's setbacks and challenges. If you don't count on that, you don't understand.
"We're in great shape. This locker room is in great shape. This group, they're fired up, they're working hard every day, everybody is pulling for one another."
Carroll said Sherman has been great working with the team this offseason, indicating that whatever issues the two sides may have won't stand in the way of Sherman performing to his high levels this year.
"It's not a big deal to us at all. It's not an issue to us at all," Carroll said.
Wilson also called Sherman "one of the best teammates I could ever ask for" and didn't speak to any supposed rift within the team.
"I wouldn't say it's divided," Wilson said of the locker room. "I don't know that. From my perspective, I believe we're a team that's been in the playoffs. We're a team that keeps winning. I don't think teams do that if they're truly divided."
Carroll has said previously that he coaches players differently based upon their personalities and what he feels is the best way to reach a certain individual. Even if that approach leads to people believing someone is getting favorable treatment, Carroll said he's not changing the way he goes about things.
"I'm not going to treat everybody the same and overlook whatever is going on with their individual ways," Carroll said. "I'm not doing that. And if you've watched it and you don't think it's working then too bad. I think it's working pretty darn well.
"It's the best way we know how to do it and we're demanding that these guys find their best and I'm demanding of myself that I find that in them and help them get there and stay there as long as we can and continue to be successful and consistent and get along and serve each other and all that."
