Tom Pelissero

USA TODAY Sports

He was fined because he %22unnecessarily taunted his opponent%22

Sherman flashed choke sign at Kaepernick on play that also drew flag

Seahawks leave for Super Bowl on Sunday

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman earned the kind of exposure money can't buy with his play and his antics at the end of last weekend's NFC Championship Game.

The NFL is taking a little of his actual money, though. A league spokesman said Friday that Sherman has been fined $7,875 because he "unnecessarily taunted his opponent."

Sherman also drew a flag for taunting after tipping the victory-clinching interception to teammate Malcolm Smith in the final minute of Sunday's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, sending the Seahawks to Super Bowl XLVIII.

After the play, Sherman offered a handshake to 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree, who shoved him away, and flashed a choke sign he said was aimed at quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Crabtree was not fined.

Sherman then called out Crabtree in an aggressive interview on Fox with Erin Andrews that has become the source of ceaseless discussion during the bye week.

The Seahawks leave for New York on Sunday. The Super Bowl is Feb. 2 against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium.

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