One player is the community role model. Never been in legal trouble and big on charity work. The second player pleaded guilty to drug charges, was a reported regular at a house used for sex and drug parties and known for boorish behavior.
It’s hard to understand how Dallas receiver Michael Irvin was chosen ahead of Washington receiver Ark Monk on Saturday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In fact, it’s just sad.
On the field, both men were very successful. Both won three Super Bowls. Each deserves enshrinement, but Irvin should have spent more years in purgatory.
While the NFL grapples with too many players being arrested for guns, drugs and general thug behavior, the 40-member committee endorsed one of the bad boys of football.
Here’s the message — it’s OK to be a jerk who thumbs his nose at society. Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and others will be rewarded no matter their deplorable behavior. Same goes for Barry Bonds.
Do whatever you want because America will still love you as long as you can play ball.
Don’t tell me off-the-field doesn’t matter. Everything matters nowadays down to the nonsense that too often passes for news. If players don’t want the burden of role modeling for many of our children who unfortunately don’t have leaders in their lives, then don’t take the fame and fortune that comes with being a pro athlete. Unfortunately, Irvin became a role model for spoiled athletes.
The committee could have set a new standard. Instead, they’re just too chicken. They can penalize Cleveland owner Art Modell for moving the Browns to Baltimore with exclusion from Canton, but a miscreant like Lawrence Taylor walks right in.
Character should always be in play. Instead, it’s often conveniently ignored. Don’t start with the Ty Cobb racism argument. Hopefully, we’re more enlightened today. Why else isn’t Pete Rose in Cooperstown?
Monk retired as the NFL’s career leader with 940 receptions — 190 more than Irvin. He was a team player who moved the chains rather than today’s divas who obsess over scoring. Some detractors said Monk only scored 68 touchdowns, but Irvin scored just 65. For those who say Irvin’s scoring was hurt by Emmitt Smith, Monk’s backers can point to Gary Clark.
Monk might become next year’s frontrunner. But then, Cris Carter becomes eligible with 1,101 receptions and 130 touchdowns. If Monk gets bumped again, Jerry Rice and others are coming along soon. Before long, Monk can be dismissed as a tired argument.
Oh well, there’s always next year. Hopefully, the selection committee will remember their souls when voting.
Rick Sniderhas covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
