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Deion Sanders suggests new Hall of Fame rule after controversial Bill Belichick snub
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- Deion Sanders suggests new Hall of Fame rule after controversial Bill Belichick snub
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Deion Sanders has called for a major change to the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process following the controversial exclusion of Bill Belichick from the Class of 2026.
Sanders, himself a Hall of Famer, raised questions about the current voting structure after Belichick narrowly missed induction despite a coaching career few would argue against.
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For Sanders, the issue goes beyond one candidate and points to what he believes is a flawed system.
Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Deion Sanders questions who should vote for the Hall of Fame
Deion Sanders has been outspoken about the idea that only those who have already been inducted into the Hall should have a say in who joins them. He did not hold back when criticising the current electorate.
When it was suggested that media members and writers do a good job following the league, Sanders dismissed that idea.
"Ask the Hall of Famers. I wouldn't want the Grinch who stole Christmas voting on a beauty pageant," Sanders said.
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"No, they don't," Sanders said. "They're messing it up consistently."
Belichick snub fuels calls for change
Belichick fell just one vote short of induction, receiving 39 of the 40 votes required. Sanders said moments like that make it difficult to understand how the process works.
He also reiterated a belief he has expressed before, that even within the Hall of Fame, not all inductees should be viewed equally.
"I just don't understand the process sometimes. There are levels in that thing."
While there is no indication the Hall of Fame plans to overhaul its voting body, Sanders' comments have added fuel to the debate sparked by Belichick's omission.
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