Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has expressed his belief that the controversy surrounding Richard Sherman's recent comments about Michael Crabtree will be a learning curve for the cornerback.

Sherman launched a scathing attack on Crabtree after making a crucial play to deny the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver a chance to win Sunday's NFC championship game in the closing stages.

Carroll admits that his player didn't cover himself in glory during the post-match interview, but is confident that there will be some good to come out of the incident.

"You're talking about a guy in a warrior's mentality in the middle of everything. He's a fiery guy. That was Richard being Richard in a moment where you would like to pull him to the side and take a knee for a while, then we'll talk to you," Carroll told ESPN.

"It's unfortunate that it was so crazed, but that's who he is. His mental makeup to get ready for that matchup was expressed right there so he could play the way he can play. Unfortunately, sharing with the world, it didn't come across so well. We try to stick to rule number one, which is always protect the team. It's the rule we live by.

"You always represent us. In a time like that one, it was a little bit representing yourself. How we handle it is we try to grow and learn and work our way through who we are and figure out who we want to be. This was an extraordinary learning opportunity. You'll see some benefit from it."

Sherman, who has since apologised for his actions, revealed that he had been the subject of racist abuse on Twitter following the incident.