| PLAYER | SEASONS | REC | YD | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monk | 15 | 940 | 12721 | 68 |
| Irvin | 12 | 750 | 11904 | 65 |
Triple Outrage: Monk, Grimm out; Irvin in
In a move Redskins fans will find outrageous, but not surprising, Hall of Fame voters snubbed former Redskins wide receiver Art Monk and offensive guard Russ Grimm for the 2007 class. Adding salt to the wound, former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin was voted in. Running back Thurman Thomas, offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, defensive back Roger Wehrli and two nominees of the veterans' committee - tight end Charlie Sanders and guard Gene Hickerson, were also selected for the Hall.
Monk's continuing exclusion has become a cause celebre' among Redskins faithful. Number 81 finished his career as Washington's greatest receiver in numbers and heart. He was the stalwart "Mr. Clutch" of Joe Gibbs' championship offenses who could be relied upon to make the tough, drive-sustaining catches through traffic.
While Monk contributed mightily to the Redskins ball control offense, the team often turned to stablemate Gary Clark to score. To voters who look only at the stats, that seemed to hurt Monk's chances. What may also hurt is the increasingly vocal support of Monk's legion of fans who take the slap as a personal affront. They have actively campaign on his behalf (see Monk for the Hall). Some voters may be hardening their position so as not to appear to cave in to public pressure. Sports Illustrated writer Peter King announced his intent to support Monk after voting against him on prior ballots.
Former Cowboy receiver and bad boy Michael Irvin was selected for the Hall in his third year of eligibility. The selection of this Redskins nemesis before Monk is particularly galling.
Hog lovers hope that Russ Grimm has a stout heart and thick skin. The former Redskins Hog watched as the Steelers fell off their championship performance of 2005, then was passed over for the Pittsburgh head coach vacancy when Bill Cower retired. Being passed over by the HOF voters adds indignity to disappointment.
Neither Grimm nor Monk were ever licked by adversity. This fight isn't over.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Monk definitely deserves to be in as does Irvin. Monk will be voted in eventually, it is just irritating to see him get snubbed. As a Giants fan, all I can say is be patient. It was a crime that it took until last year for Harry Carson to be voted in. The same will happen with Monk…
This is a travesty…but not a surprise. This has been a year of particular disgrace in the NFL (ie.- Merriman selection to the Pro Bowl). Where exactly do we draw the line? Is character even an issue in the selection of players to supposed places of honor like the Pro Bowl and the HOF? If it is, then how in God’s name is a player like Michael Irvin with inferior statistics (the numbers do not lie) and egregiously inferior character (the arrest record is clear) bestowed induction to the HOF before Art Monk. When exactly did Michael Irvin ever become the NFL career leader in catches? Never…Shame on the HOF voters, makes you wonder who else is smoking crack…..
Yes dip, if you check the records
If you compare the statistics you will find three more years = 817 yards and three more touchdowns? Not outstanding numbers to me or the quantity of touchdowns? Divide that number by three = 272 yards and ONE touchdown? I think that Monk should of retired?
PLAYER SEASONS REC YD TD
Monk 15 940 12721 68
Irvin 12 750 11904 65
Daf, you addressed your comment to your mother, Dip. She doesn’t live here. Try over at http://cowboys.mostvaluablenetwork.com/.
As for your two comments about Monk, he too was the career receiving leader when he retired – 11 years ago. After all that time, he remains ranked in the top 10 in many receiving categories. His numbers were also impacted by his injury seasons, ‘82, ‘83, ‘87 and ‘95. Three of those years were Redskins Super Bowl years (Monk missed SB XVII and was limited in XVIII). Two of the extra three years you refer to were when Monk played for other teams in a back-up role. I’m not concerned with that.
What irks me is that Monk’s should have been elected to the Hall five years ago. One of the bogus reasons cited is something about opponents didn’t change defenses to cover Monk. Of course not. They double covered him like they do all number one receivers. Fans who watched those teams know that Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders would not have been in the position to catch TD passes without the running game and Art Monk’s receiving to put them in a position to score. If Art Monk is not one of the NFL’s great receivers, why was he selected – by the HOF voters – to the 1980s All-Decade Team — http://www.nfl.com/history/legends/1980s ???
Hog Heaven isn’t saying Irvin shouldn’t be in the Hall, but that Monk is past due. Irvin going in first is an affront.
By the way, Irvin says Monk should have been in — http://artmonk.wordpress.com/2006/06/11/michael-irvin-speaks-out/
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