NFL Hall Of Fame Issues Blunt Warning To Voters After Bill Belichick Snub
In what is perhaps the final development in the NFL’s biggest story of the week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has released an official statement after the historic snub of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
The Hall of Fame is under a lot of scrutiny after rumors of potential collusion between owners and voters swirled.
The decision to strip Belichick of the honor of first-ballot Hall of Famer has led to some Gold Jacket holders choosing to boycott this year’s ceremony. Other high-profile personalities have criticized the legitimacy of the entire establishment.
The statement released Wednesday night is an attempt to reposition the criticism the Hall of Fame is receiving to the shoulders of the voters themselves.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members and enshrinees of the Hall itself in light of published reports regarding the voting results for the Class of 2026,” the Hall said. “It’s that very passion that propels the game. The Hall also respects the members of the Selection Committee when they follow the selection process bylaws. It is an honor to serve as a selector.
“Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee. If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection
process bylaws, they understand action will be taken. That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward.”
It is worth noting that the Hall also has bylaws against speaking publicly about the conversations held in the meetings.
So while this release serves as a threat to those who violated voting rules, it may also serve as a threat to those who have come out to defend Belichick and offer insight to the discussions had during the voting process.