Richard Sherman ‘remorseful’ in wake of his arrest

Former 49ers and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman penned an apology in the wake of his arrest on Tuesday, which arose questions on mental health.

Free-agent cornerback Richard Sherman‘s career might be defined more now by how he handles what’s got to be one of his darker moments.

An arrest last Wednesday morning for “burglary domestic violence” in what was eventually reported to be connected to a vehicle incident, which reportedly led to him trying to enter his in-laws’ house in King County.

Additionally among the charges are criminal trespass with a domestic violence designation, malicious mischief, DUI, and resisting arrest.

On Friday, the former San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks five-time Pro Bowl cornerback issued a statement and apology, saying he was “deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night.”

Sherman made the following announcement on his Twitter account:

"I  am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night. I behaved in a manner I am not proud of. I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need. I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time."

Sherman, 33 years old, remains a free agent after spending the last three years with the Niners. And while his immediate NFL future could be in doubt after this notable incident, the bigger picture is certainly one about his own personal well-being and mental health.

49ers reached out to Richard Sherman, his family after the incident

Perhaps sensing this is greater than football, 49ers general manager John Lynch mentioned to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco that he had reached out to Sherman and his wife, Ashley, to offer whatever support the team can muster.

“More than anything, just praying for them,” Lynch said. “They’re good people. Just praying that they find their way through this and we’ll support them any way we can.”

There have already been plenty of videos and audio files made public of the 911 call that prompted Sherman’s arrest, as well as of him trying to knock down the door of his in-laws’ house.

We won’t show those here, as that’s the lesser part of the story.

Instead, the focus should be on his own mental health. Sherman, a major locker room leader for San Francisco and mentor the last three seasons, has been regarded as a pillar of the community, too, which probably made this week’s arrest seem so out of place.

Yet it does cast some light on just how delicate mental health can be and the overall importance of taking it seriously.

For everyone.