Pat Tillman to Canton? It isn't necessary

Came across this column on ESPN.com on the debate to to get Pat Tillman into Canton. Quite poignant.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=howard-110707

 

This one was still rising as it left the park. Still sickens me thinking of how his death was turned into something it wasn't by the propaganda machine.

I can see creating some sort of memorial to honor NFL players who have been killed in our country's service, but actual induction is something that sould be reserved for performance on the field or as a contributor. And while Tillman worked very hard to become what he did in the NFL, I don't think of him as an HOF'er.

 

Simeon Rice agrees with you.

 

Well-said. It would be great to have something there honoring those players who have defended this country, but inducting them into the HOF is not the right way to do it.

 

He earned a spot in the Human Being Hall of Fame. He doesn't need Canton.

 

If he gets in, can we have a rendition of "God Bless America?"

 

I forget who said this but it made a lot of sense to me. Based on what he did on the field, Tillman is not Hall of Fame material.
If exceptionally good character is enough for an otherwise unqualified player to get into the Hall of Fame, should exceptionally bad character keep an otherwise qualified player out?

 

Are Michael Irvin's ears burning?

 

Well, exceptionally bad character like committing horrific murders, yes.

 

A memorial for the players who died in combat, and recognition for those who served, would be a good fit for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It would be appropriate for a game that uses so much phony battlefield lingo to tip its cap to true soldiers.