Report says Junior Seau's family not allowed to speak at HOF enshrinement

[Kevin Greene]

Goodell continues to be the worst Commish the NFL has ever had.

Junior Seau's Hall of Fame enshrinement went from awkward and sad to really messy with the release of a New York Times story on Friday afternoon.

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According to the Times, Seau's family will not be allowed to speak at his Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. Only a video will be played for Seau, who committed suicide in 2012. The Pro Football Hall of Fame told the Times that's the policy for deceased inductees, that there will be no speech for someone on their behalf.

Is there any precedent for this? Well, in 2011 nobody spoke for Les Richter, who was a linebacker with the Los Angeles Rams, the Times points out. But that wasn't always the case. Sara White gave a memorable speech for her husband, the late Reggie White, in 2006. Apparently the policy changed.

And apparently nobody thought how bad that might look in a situation like Seau's family faces now. 

Despite the protests to the contrary by the Hall of Fame, it's hard to not wonder if Seau's suicide and his family's lawsuit against the NFL in regards to brain injuries have anything to do with this. The Seaus told the Times they weren't aware of the Hall of Fame's policy until July 9. Seau was voted into the Hall of Fame the day before last season's Super Bowl.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/report-says-junior-seau-s-family-not-allowed-to-speak-at-hof-enshrinement-195603764.html 

[SmokinwithWilly]

I'm guessing it's because he has no idea what she is going to say. She may blame the NFL for his death and that might look even worse. Goodell is all about protecting the brand.

[SIGCHI222]

Pretty sure this will surprise zero people.

[Mol3m4n]

I don't really see anything wrong with it.

[Ruff]

Yeah... It's probably because it's going to be shot live and they don't want something to get said about concussions, the NFL, and how things are getting worse for players. 

[Mr. Scot]

I don't really see anything wrong with it.

I do.

It's his family. I'd consider them more important than the NFL's image.

[cookinbrak]

He retired. And then decided to play again. He took all responsibility after that. If he doesn't play those games for the Patriots, who knows how he lives. So it was his choice. If anybody deserves to eulogize him, call Belicheck. His pimp.

[KendrickPanther]

They should let the family speak. What is the worst they can do? Tell the truth?

[Snake]

Goodell proves one more time why he is a hartless asshole whose only concern is money and protecting his own tail.

[The Huddler]

They should let the family speak. What is the worst they can do? Tell the truth?

lol you act like the NFL wouldnt give a poo about this on live television. With the poo that happened this past season and how goodell looks like an ass..

 

..yeah, whats the worst that could happen?? Hur durr

[KintnerBoy]

If it really is written policy then I don't see why this is even being reported. It is what it is.

[Riverboat Ron]

Grandmaster Tsar Gordell. 

[BuckNaked]

It's a cooperation,  I work for Ups and am a driver.  One of our drivers died in a truck in Winston Salem from heat exaution about a month ago and I am sure the family is suing.  Do you think Ups would let his family talk  to the public at one of their share holders meetings?  Hell no, matter of fact you didn't even hear about it on your evening news.  Why would any Ceo let any one, employee or not, try to bring down the company.  I don't like Goodell but he is trying to keep the sport(including the team we are all here for) intact.  It sucks, there are downsides to being a millionaire athlete, but alot of us have downsides without all of the benefits. 

 

 

[jumpman910]

If it really is written policy then I don't see why this is even being reported. It is what it is.

This.