Hall of Fame - from a fan

Emmitt Smith's outlash against HOF voting in the article above is atrocious. HOF members are picked, not only on their merits on the field, but off.

Being an upstanding citizen is part of the HOF criteria, and with young ones looking up to sports figures, the HOF is one of the last bastions of integrity we have. If we let people in for just their action on the field, then that doesn't say much for their actions off the field.

Pro players, celebrities and the like, must realize that their actions are revered by young people all over the world. To allow individuals to behave inappropriately off the field, and then reward them, just tells kids that its ok to be an idiot.

Maybe pros and celebrities will heed HOF and other inductee-type ceremonies and understand that being in the Hall of Fame, or recognized for life achievement, is an honor based on a well-rounded individual...not for a specific portion of one's life.