Richard Sherman Granted Release From Jail Without Bail, Judge Says He’s A ‘Pillar Of The Community’

Richard Sherman Granted Release From Jail Without Bail, Judge Says He’s A ‘Pillar Of The Community’

A judge has granted Richard Sherman’s release from jail without bail.

As previously reported, the NFL free agent was arrested earlier this week for trying to break into his in-laws’ home just outside of Seattle.

He is facing four misdemeanors: criminal trespass in the second degree, malicious mischief in the third degree, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence, according to ESPN. Prosecutors didn’t request for the judge to rule on the felony residential burglary accusation that he was first booked under. Charges have yet to be filed officially, but a representative with the King Couty prosecuting attorney’s office said a decision could be made Friday (July 16th), which is when his next hearing is scheduled. He doesn’t have to attend.

When granting his release, King County District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai denied prosecutors’ request to set the bail at $10,000. While Richard Sherman didn’t attend the hearing, Masaniai referred to him as a “pillar of the community” and noted that Sherman has never been taken into custody before this incident.

Still, under the terms of the release, Sherman can’t have any communication with his father-in-law and isn’t allowed to drink alcohol or use nonprescription drugs. He also can’t possess a weapon.

While his lawyer, Cooper Offenbecher, didn’t challenge the judge’s ruling that there was probable cause for Sherman’s arrest, he argued for Sherman to be released without bail and touted his community service and charitable actions.

Offenbecher said,

“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.”

His wife, Ashley Moss, is standing by the former San Francisco 49er and said after the judge’s decision,

“I love and support my husband. 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.”

Richard Sherman, Ashley Moss

Sherman was allegedly drunk and belligerent and threatened to take his life before leaving his and Ashley Moss’s Maple Valley home earlier this week. Ashley Moss called police, who arrested him after determining he crashed his car in the construction area of a high-traffic freeway. He also attempted to break into the home belonging to Moss’s parents. Ashley told police Sherman had been using antidepressants and was getting mental health counseling.

Ashley’s father, Raymond Moss, also spoke with authorities and said he grabbed a handgun and pepper-sprayed Sherman in an effort to protect his family.

He said,

“The family began to yell in fear. 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.”

Police reports say Sherman was showing

“severe mood swings and slurred speech, had bloodshot, watery eyes, and had the odor of intoxicants emitting from his person.”

When they tried to arrest him,

“Sherman ignored these commands and became more hostile and belligerent and stated multiple times that he would not be arrested or go into handcuffs.”

He reportedly told police he was upset that his children were taken from him.

Officers chose not to tase him because they didn’t want it to spark the substance Moss sprayed at him. They also didn’t fire a bean bag round because he was too close. They opted to release a police dog that ultimately bit his ankle before officers wrestled with Sherman on the ground. He suffered a minor cut due to the dog.

He was said to be in better spirits once in custody and laughed about one of the officer’s methods used to restrain him. He was described as “polite and cooperative” at the hospital where he was treated for the dog bite before getting booked.

The incident comes months after King County prosecutors and the sheriff acquired an “extreme risk protection order” for the NFL star. He was not allowed to have guns as he could harm himself or others, a judge ruled in February. Details of that case are sealed.

What are your thoughts on the judge granting Richard Sherman’s release? Comment and let us know.