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A22 sports
Monday 12 March 2018

Richard Sherman signs 3-year deal with 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — touchdown pass in the sive experience. The Niners
Richard Sherman officially 2013 NFC championship believe Sherman can fill
has gone to the other side. game against the 49ers led that role in a defense mod-
The four-time All-Pro corner- to an interception that sent eled by coordinator Robert
back signed a three-year the Seahawks to the Super Saleh after the one that
deal with the San Francisco Bowl, which they won. had so much success in Se-
49ers on Sunday, two days Sherman then celebrated attle. Saleh was a former
after being released by the a Thanksgiving night win in defensive assistant with the
rival Seattle Seahawks. a road game against the Seahawks.
The deal reportedly is worth 49ers the following season Sherman became a star
up to $39.15 million. by eating a turkey leg on in Seattle, bringing a brash
“Richard is one of the pre- the 50-yard line. attitude and willingness
mier competitors Kyle and Now, the player who was to speak out on any topic
I have ever encountered,” reviled so much by 49ers to go along with his stellar
49ers general Manager fans is joining their team play. His best seasons came
John Lynch said, referring after the Seahawks decid- in 2013 and 2014, when Se-
to coach Kyle Shanahan. ed he wasn’t worth his $13 attle made two Super Bowl
“We look forward to him million salary for 2018. San appearances, and he has
sharing his wealth of expe- Francisco hopes he can 32 career interceptions.
rience and his passion for make a big impact even as He still was one of the bet-
the game of football with he turns 30 later this month ter cornerbacks the past
our team. and is coming off an Achil- three seasons, ranking sec-
“Richard has long been les tendon injury that cost ond in the NFL by allowing
looked at as the prototypi- him half of the 2017 season. just 49.2 percent of passes
cal corner in our scheme Sherman also had a clean- against him to be caught,
and the opportunity to In this Oct. 29, 2017, file photo, Seattle Seahawks cornerback up surgery on his opposite according to Pro Football
have him mentor our play- Richard Sherman (25) runs after he intercepted a pass from ankle during the offseason. Focus.
ers was one we needed to Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (not shown) late The 49ers had a glaring Sherman played his col-
attack. Most importantly, in the second half of an NFL football game, in Seattle. need at cornerback with lege ball in the Bay Area
we are excited to have Associated Press 2017 third-round pick Ah- at Stanford under former
a championship-caliber gral role in the fierce NFC the Seahawks retooling kello Witherspoon and slot coach Jim Harbaugh, who
corner on the field for the West rivalry between Se- their defense, he became cornerback K’Waun Wil- then went up against Sher-
49ers.” attle and San Francisco expendable. His deflec- liams the only players un- man during his four seasons
Sherman played an inte- earlier this decade. With tion on a potential winning der contract with exten- in charge of the 49ers.q

AP sources: Free agent ace Arrieta, Phillies reach 3-yr deal

By ROB MAADDI physical. The deal is report- but now have added vet-
AP Sports Writer edly worth $75 million. NBC eran slugger Carlos Santa-
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Sports Philadelphia first re- na, Arrieta and quality re-
The Philadelphia Phillies ported the agreement. lievers to a young nucleus
made their boldest move The 32-year-old righty was that could show consider-
yet. among several top free able improvement over
Two people familiar with agents who didn’t get a last season’s 66-96 mark.
the decision tell The Associ- deal for six or seven years in New manager Gabe
ated Press that free-agent a changing offseason mar- Kapler’s motto throughout
ace Jake Arrieta and the ket. spring training has been:
Phillies have agreed to a The Phillies, who have plen- “Be Bold.”
three-year deal. ty of money to spend, wait- Players and coaches have
Both people spoke to the ed until the price was right been wearing T-shirts with
This may 26, 2017, file photo shows Chicago Cubs starting pitch- AP on condition of ano- for them. those words on them and
er Jake Arrieta throwing to the plate during the first inning of a nymity Sunday because The Phillies haven’t had a they’ve been using the
baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, in Los Angeles.
Associated Press the contract is pending a winning season since 2011, phrase often in interviews.q