Mama Sherman On WFAN: Keep In Mind That Labor Takes Time

PHOENIX (WFAN) -- Beverly Sherman says she wouldn't advise her son, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, to exit Super Bowl XLIX "right away" should his girlfriend go into labor during the big game.

Because, as anyone who has gone through the experience would say, it could take a while.

The Campbell's Chunky Soup pitchwoman affectionately known as "Mama" Sherman spoke with WFAN's Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Friday about the dilemma facing her son with Super Sunday just two days away.

"Labor is funny. It's not like, oh my goodness, the first few pains she has she's just gonna spit the baby out," she said. "It's a long process. You know, very rarely does that happen where a mother starts having pains or goes into labor and bam, the baby's here. It's a long, long process. So I wouldn't advise him to come off the field right away."

The topic has generated a nationwide debate as Richard Sherman hasn't committed to either facing New England in the Super Bowl or being at his girlfriend's side if their first child arrives at the most inopportune of times. New York Jets receiver Eric Decker said on WFAN radio that he wouldn't think twice about missing the game, while Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday that family comes first and the defending champs will support Sherman no matter his decision.

Sherman said he'd cross that bridge if it comes, adding there are contingencies in place for his girlfriend, Ashley Moss, who is in Arizona and has arrangements set at a local hospital just in case.

His mother reiterated those points to Benigno and Roberts.

"If she goes into labor, goes to the hospital, we're going to use some good judgment with it," Beverly Sherman said.

As for predicting the Super Bowl, Mama Sherman was more forthcoming: "I'm gonna say we're going to do it again by 12. We're going to win by 12 points."