Junior Seau's family refutes Hall of Fame's claim that they support induction speech policy

Junior Seau's family still doesn't agree with the Pro Football Hall of Fame's policy preventing inductees' family members from speaking at induction ceremonies - regardless of what the Hall of Fame says.

After the initial outcry over the Hall's decision, the linebacker's daughter, Sydney, discussed the "misunderstanding" with Hall of Fame officials, and both sides were reportedly "OK" with the policy. But now the family wants to make it clear they are not OK with the decision to take the microphone away from Sydney.

The Seaus disagreed with the decision in a statement released through their lawyer Monday, saying the Hall had previously indicated Sydney would be allowed to speak in place of her late father.

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. 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.

The Seau family is currently engaged in a wrongful death lawsuit against the league, making the induction an awkward situation for both sides. It was initially believed that the NFL didn't want the family to speak due to the potentially negative spin it could put on the league's approach to concussions.