Why isn't Terrell Owens a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame?

[True Dough]

He got passed over for the second year on Saturday and he tweeted that the selection process is "flawed" and called the HoF "a total joke."

T.O. finished his career with 15,934 receiving yards (second-most all time) and 153 receiving touchdowns (third-most all time). The five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler had nine 1,000-yard seasons over an 11-year span and eight seasons with double-digit touchdown receptions.

He also led the NFL in touchdown catches three times (16 in 2001, 13 in '02, 13 in '06).

The five modern-era players to make it were LaDainian Tomlinson, Kurt Warner, Jason Taylor, Terrell Davis and Morten Andersen.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18621125/terrell-owens-make-final-cut-pro-football-hall-fame


So what gives? Why is the selection committee reluctant to enshrine one of the best receivers who's ever played the game?

[Brother Buzz]

1. To be eligible for the nominating process, a player must have been retired for at least five years.

On January 13, 2015, in an interview with Sports Illustrated Now, Owens stated that he hasn't retired and stated that, after a hiatus, he was training with numerous NFL players during the 2014 NFL season including the offseason as well. It is not clear when he plans on returning to the NFL.

[True Dough]

2. Maybe that is the explanation

but it's strange that he would be among the 15 finalists in the first place. You'd think he wouldn't be included at all until he met the official 5 years of retirement.

[Brother Buzz]

9. Fans may nominate any player by simply writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame via letter or email

Perhaps the selection committee actually read the rules.

Hey, I admit I'm winging it here, but those are the facts, Jack.

[Freddie]

3. The dog-killings?

Owens spent time in prison for dog-fighting. I can't remember the details but it was ugly. He played for the Eagles but many in Philly despise him for animal cruelty.

[Ptah]

4. I don't believe Owens spent any time in prison.

I don't believe Owens was involved with any dog fighting..

[Freddie]

5. I was thinking of Michael Vick, another ex-Eagle

Sorry as you can see not a big football fan!

[Hokie]

6. TO should be in the HoF

Yes, TO was on the ballot. His numbers speak for themselves. He didn't get along with the media. They are blackballing him. Instead they put in a kicker who never won a Super Bowl.

I have mixed feelings on Jerry Jones getting in. I am against owners and executives getting in the Hall at all though. I am glad that Tagliabue was left out. Terrell Davis had too few meaningful years in my view but he finally got in this year.

[JonLP24]

7. He has more rushing yards than another Broncos HOF RB Floyd Little

Plus there is Gale Sayers and Terrell Davis had the greatest 4-year stretch which is a big reason why Ricky Williams accepted that ridiculous contract.

Here are his playoff numbers. 8 games, 1140 yards, 12 TD, 5.6 YPC, 19 rec, 131 yards.

He got injured making a tackle after an interception. I watched a lot of Broncos games in those days and with the exception of Barry Sanders he was the greatest I ever seen. I haven't really seen anything like that since though David Johnson is a HOF guy provided he stays healthy

https://m.

TO should definitely get in though but they got it right with TD.

[Hokie]

8. OK, I am with you on Terrell Davis

I forgot he had those kind numbers. I was probably not being fair because running backs tend to have shorter careers. If a running back is dominant in the league for four years they probably deserve induction. Also, I hate to see someone that close for a number of years not make it.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

10. Because he was/is a major douche-nozzle?

Not sayin' it's right but...

[True Dough]

11. There could be something to that

He was known as a prima donna and for being difficult with reporters. So maybe they're getting back at him.

But look at Brett Favre. He was accused of sending inappropriate text images to a female team staffer. He was never declared "not guilty" by the league (they used some rather craftily-worded statement that a lawyer surely drafted) and he settled the issue out of court.

Then we'll be looking at the Peyton Manning candidacy in a few years. He has a notorious sexual assault accusation hanging over him from college and allegations that he repeatedly attempted to shame/discredit his accuser. They also settled out of court.

Now, neither of the aforementioned incidents make life hard for the press. But they leave a stain. Not enough to keep Favre out of the hall on first ballot. Probably not enough to prevent Manning from getting immediate entry either.

So it's interesting. Being accused of sexually harassing women (with some evidence to substantiate it) results in no HoF delay, but being obnoxious with the media means you'll sit and wait.

Like you noted, you aren't saying it's right, but...

[mythology]

12. Not to discount the potential role of sexism

But the Favre and Manning accusations were limited in number. Owens was an asshole his entire career who for all his talent also caused major team disruptions for multiple teams.

[Auggie]

16. + 1,000,000

http://rebeldems.com/thread/300/snub-terrell-owens-appears-comeuppance

[hughee99]

13. There's no good reason he's not in, and I expect he'll get in next year.

I never really understood the "not on the first ballot" mentality. If he's not good enough on the first ballot, he's not going to get better between this year and next year. I guess if they were only allowed to put in so many per year, maybe one could argue he wasn't as good as the other players and they ran out of slots, but that's now how this works.

[True Dough]

14. Agreed. n/t

[ProfessorGAC]

15. Well, There's Always The Chance. . .

. . .that some old idiot sportswriters or players die, and some younger ones push the vote that way. Then he'd be a second or third try HoF player by attrition!

Just kidding. I'm with you. Either someone is good enough of they're not.