HOF GM Bill Polian wouldn't choose between Owens, Moss: 'I take neither'
The takes are getting hotter by the day.
As debate surrounding Terrell Owens' Hall of Fame candidacy continues, the discussion has slowly begun to involve another of the most talented receivers in NFL history.
If voters can cite the "teammate" dynamic in keeping Owens out of Canton for a second straight year, surely they'd be forced to do the same when Randy Moss is first eligible next year, right?
Recently asked for his opinion on the two former superstars, Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian gave an answer that may surprise you.
"I take neither," Polian said, according to Clark Judge of The Talk of Fame Sports Network. "First of all, here's my position: (I want players who) contribute both individually and to the team. T.O.'s situation, T.O.'s temperament, his ability to contribute to the team was well known up front. He was going to be a problem. We did not want to deal with problem children. Others may. We didn't.
"That's number one. Number two, every year in Indianapolis we said the following: 'The price of admission is 100 percent effort all the time in everything we do.' Well, how can we take Randy Moss when we make that statement? It's that simple."
Polian went on to concede that although the two could be held out initially, it's likely only a matter of time before they get the nod. Not without characterizing such a reality as unfortunate, though.
"I think they will, unfortunately in my view, because whether you like it or not. these 'electoral campaigns' have a way of swinging people," Polian said. "In my view, and I said this publicly last year, I think the Hall of Fames are for people who make their teams better, not who detract from them.
"Now, T.O. was a bigger detractor over his career than Moss, but you certainly wouldn't call (Moss' attitude) any harbinger or example of what you want in a football player other than when he decided to play. 'I play when I play.' I don't buy it."
Few will deny that Owens and Moss were unique personalities, and perhaps far more difficult to deal with than teams would prefer. But the argument for their place in football history, founded upon clear talent and the historic production to match, seems fairly rock solid.
Owens ranks eighth all time in receptions (1,078), second in receiving yards (15,934), and third in touchdowns. Moss ranks 15th in catches (982), third in yards (15,292), and second in touchdowns (156).