Monday, November 28, 2005
Will drug arrest cost Irvin a place in Canton?
I was shocked to learn of the arrest of Michael Irvin for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (keep in mind the charges are not for usage, and Irvin claims the device, now identified as a crack pipe, wasn't his). This was supposed to be The Playmaker's year.
The bittersweet result of the former Cowboys wideout not making it into the NFL Hall of Fame last year on the first ballot with former nemesis quarterback Steve Young was that he could then be inducted this year alongside HIS quarterback, Troy Aikman. Both are currently semifinalists in a very competitive group.
My problem with the fallout that's going to ensue is that many of the sportswriters who comprise the Hall's selection committee are going to cop a moral elitist attitude and unfairly base Irvin's consideration solely on this recent arrest, compounded by bringing his forgettable drug past back from the dead. Induction to the Hall, at least for players, is supposed to be based upon performance on the field, not off it. Irvin deserves to wear the gold jacket, no doubt. Put it into perspective: O.J. Simpson's place in Canton after being brought up on charges of killing his wife was questioned, but not revoked. And that was for murder.
Now, you can argue a decent case that all indicted into the NFL Hall of Fame should not only be the most outstanding players, owners and officials, but also be men of high moral values, law-abiding, God-fearing citizens. Good point, but I'd unjustifiably guess most people that are already in haven't exactly been angelic in their behavior.
While I don't condone drug involvement of any kind, I would hope Irvin still receives his due enshrinement to the Hall. Whatever happens, the accomplishment's going to be tarnished by his legal troubles so that's a cross he'll always have to bear. If he fails to get in by unsympathetic journalists, it'll be his downfall. If he does get the nod, it'll be forever suspect. He's shamed either way, although Irvin did perform his normal pre-game analyst duties on the Monday Night Countdown leading up to the Steelers/Colts matchup.
My prayers go out to the man and his family. Details are sketchy and the charge is minor, but I hope he gets it straightened out nonetheless. And I hope sportswriters consider how the case plays out before passing judgment on him.
Note: I realize many will not agree with me...I defend my reasoning with the same passion that I truly believe validates Pete Rose's overdue induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Charlie Hustle should never be allowed to manage again, but he's carved out a spot for himself in Cooperstown. But that's another conversation entirely.
The bittersweet result of the former Cowboys wideout not making it into the NFL Hall of Fame last year on the first ballot with former nemesis quarterback Steve Young was that he could then be inducted this year alongside HIS quarterback, Troy Aikman. Both are currently semifinalists in a very competitive group.
My problem with the fallout that's going to ensue is that many of the sportswriters who comprise the Hall's selection committee are going to cop a moral elitist attitude and unfairly base Irvin's consideration solely on this recent arrest, compounded by bringing his forgettable drug past back from the dead. Induction to the Hall, at least for players, is supposed to be based upon performance on the field, not off it. Irvin deserves to wear the gold jacket, no doubt. Put it into perspective: O.J. Simpson's place in Canton after being brought up on charges of killing his wife was questioned, but not revoked. And that was for murder.
Now, you can argue a decent case that all indicted into the NFL Hall of Fame should not only be the most outstanding players, owners and officials, but also be men of high moral values, law-abiding, God-fearing citizens. Good point, but I'd unjustifiably guess most people that are already in haven't exactly been angelic in their behavior.
While I don't condone drug involvement of any kind, I would hope Irvin still receives his due enshrinement to the Hall. Whatever happens, the accomplishment's going to be tarnished by his legal troubles so that's a cross he'll always have to bear. If he fails to get in by unsympathetic journalists, it'll be his downfall. If he does get the nod, it'll be forever suspect. He's shamed either way, although Irvin did perform his normal pre-game analyst duties on the Monday Night Countdown leading up to the Steelers/Colts matchup.
My prayers go out to the man and his family. Details are sketchy and the charge is minor, but I hope he gets it straightened out nonetheless. And I hope sportswriters consider how the case plays out before passing judgment on him.
Note: I realize many will not agree with me...I defend my reasoning with the same passion that I truly believe validates Pete Rose's overdue induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Charlie Hustle should never be allowed to manage again, but he's carved out a spot for himself in Cooperstown. But that's another conversation entirely.
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