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Hall of Fame voter explains case against Owens: 'He was so disruptive'

Brian Bahr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Terrell Owens being passed over for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility came as a surprise to many.

The six-time Pro Bowler finished his 15-year career with 1,078 receptions for 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns, putting him among the all-time leaders in all major receiving categories.

Hall of Fame voter Gary Myers touched on the discussion surrounding Owens in an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday, indicating it was the wideout's negative locker room presence that kept him out.

"I'll take you inside the room on this, and it was the second longest discussion we had in the room other that Eddie DeBartolo," Myers said. "The bottom line on T.O. is he was so disruptive. Now with L.T. (Lawrence Taylor), you don't count the off-the-field stuff. That's a mandate from the Hall of Fame. It's only what you've done on the field. The argument that was made in the room, and I agreed with this, is what T.O. did in the locker room is part of ..."

Host Ross Tucker interjected, asking why voters don't simply evaluate what happens "inside the white lines" rather than the supposed issues working against Owens.

"Because I think that the locker room is an extension of that," Myers replied.

Asked how he could know that for certain, Myers referenced the fact that Owens had five teams that couldn't wait to get rid of him despite his on-field talent.

Myers went on to concede that he believes Owens is indeed a Hall of Fame player, but that his reputation as a locker room "cancer" is what prevented him from being inducted on his first ballot.

Included among this year's inductees instead of Owens, and thus kick-starting the debate, was former Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison.

Though Harrison left little doubt as to whether he was worthy of such an honor after performing at an incredibly high level throughout his 13 NFL seasons, Owens is considered by some to have been the more dominant player.

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk

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