NFL news roundup: Richard Sherman explains postgame interview

An emotional NFC Championship Game gave way to two incidents that could gain the attention of the NFL.

Jan 20, 2014, 10:18 PM UTC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman gave a fiery and aggressive postgame interview with Erin Andrews in which he called out wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Monday he wrote an article explaining his reaction.

Sherman did not back down from his statements, standing by his belief that Crabtree is overrated and comparing his career to that of Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns. The defensive back's reaction stemmed from two incidents in the past, the first coming at an event in Arizona he didn't elaborate on. Sherman explained the second, in which an attempted handshake was met with a push from Crabtree.

NFL examining sideline hit

Away from the microphones, there was another controversial event that has drawn the attention of the NFL. Seattle special teams gunner Jeremy Lane appeared to be struck by a member of the 49ers organization during the second quarter of the NFC Championship.

Lane was attempting to cover a punt when it appears a man struck him with his arm, knocking down the Seahawks player. It's unclear whether the league will issue a fine, but the situation is similar to the $100,000 fine levied against Mike Tomlin for stepping on the field against the Baltimore Ravens in November.

Tom Brady played with ligament injury

It has been revealed that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been playing through pain since October.

Brady reportedly suffered ligament damage to his throwing hand, which could have impacted his spotty passing in the playoffs. Cameras caught swelling in the veteran passer’s hand following the game on Sunday, but the team did not issue any statement about his hand publicly.

Percy Harvin expected to play in Super Bowl

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll expects wide receiver Percy Harvin will be able to play on Super Bowl Sunday.

Harvin sustained a concussion against the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional round and missed the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers as a result. His ability to contribute has been limited since the team traded for Harvin during the 2013 NFL Draft, but he has the opportunity to be available for the biggest game of the season.

Players added to Pro Bowl roster due to injuries

Injuries around the NFL and the cementing of two Super Bowl teams have resulted in several replacements to the Pro Bowl.

Andrew Luck and Nick Foles headline the group, taking the place of Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning, respectively. A variety of injuries has also changed the roster, most notably with Adrian Peterson, who will miss the game due to injury; running back Eddie Lacy will take his place following a stellar rookie season.