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Report: Hall of Fame to let Seau's daughter speak at induction ceremony

REUTERS/Mike Blake

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will apparently let the daughter of late San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau speak at his induction ceremony after all.

According to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, Sydney Seau will participate in an on-stage interview after the unveiling of her father's bust. Sydney and her three brothers have also been invited to the unveiling, which is usually only attended by the presenter.

The Hall will not change its policy prohibiting inductees' family members from speaking live at posthumous induction ceremonies, which are supposed to feature only a video presentation that includes the presenter's speech. However, the Hall has taped a highlight video of Seau's career that includes comments from Sydney.

"Our goal was to try and keep our policy but also show some compassion and understanding," Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker said. "Through all the conversations, Sydney has always been great.

"She will have the opportunity to say whatever she wants to say but we will still maintain our (posthumous induction) policy. We want this to be a great day for Sydney and her family. Should she choose not to speak afterward, that should be OK."

There has been some outrage over the fact that the Hall would not let family speak at Seau's induction, with a statement from the family last week stating they did not support the policy even though they were not planning on being a distraction at the event.

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