Richard Sherman while playing Madden: 'Check the football, ref'

The Super Bowl isn't until this Sunday, but Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen decided to settle the outcome a few days early with a game of Madden.

After the Madden version of Tom Brady threw a touchdown pass to Julian Edelman, Sherman cried foul, according to the Boston Globe.

"Check the football, ref," he said.

To our knowledge, Madden hasn't yet installed a cheat code for deflating footballs. Even if the game's virtual footballs could be deflated, it's doubtful Sherman would have benefited: His Seahawks were shut out by Vereen's Patriots, 14-0.

Someone should ask the Madden version of the Patriots' locker room attendant if he knows anything.

- Stanley Kay