A legal adviser for the family of Junior Seau sent a statement Monday indicating that the family is still unhappy with the way the Pro Football Hall of Fame has handled the impending induction of the late linebacker.
Last week The New York Times wrote an article saying that Seau’s family would not have an opportunity to speak at his induction in August. Those in Canton responded by saying their policy for deceased inductees is to play a video honoring the player that includes comments from interviewees. A report by ESPN’s Jim Trotter said the family was “OK” with that policy. However, we are now learning that they are still dissatisfied.
“The Seau family appreciates the overwhelming support for Sydney Seau to be able to accept Junior’s induction into the Hall of Fame live and in her own words. Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame is unwilling to reverse its decision despite communicating to the family earlier this year that Sydney would be able to speak at the ceremony,” the family said in a statement.
“Contrary to the most recent statement by the Hall of Fame, the family does not support the current policy that prevents family members from delivering live remarks on behalf of deceased inductees. However, the Seau family does not want this issue to become a distraction to Junior’s accomplishments and legacy or those of the other inductees. The Seau family never intended to use the Hall of Fame as a platform to discuss the serious mental health issues facing the NFL today which are most appropriately addressed in a legal forum. The Seau family looks forward to celebrating Junior’s extraordinary accomplishments at the Hall of Fame.”
Seau’s family was told in January it would be able to speak at the ceremony, but then they were told in July that that would not be the case. They believe the NFL is fearful they would use the platform to talk about the consequences of head injuries in football, but they say that would not be the case.
Ultimately, this is a bad look for the NFL and Hall of Fame. How can it hurt to let Seau’s daughter speak about her father for a few minutes? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should be treated as such. Let her have the podium and quit making a big deal about this.
