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Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement on leaked voting results
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- Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement on leaked voting results
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton released a statement Wednesday, Jan. 28, addressing "media reports" related to the Hall of Fame's Class of 2026.
The release comes in the aftermath of leaked reports that former Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick , a six-time Super Bowl winner during his 24-year tenure with the Pats, won't be headed to the Hall of Fame nor will former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning .
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Belichick was largely considered a shoo-in to the Hall of Fame based on his record six Super Bowl victories. Manning's case is a bit more nuanced, having a career regular-season record of 117-117 that's offset by being one of six players ever to be named Super Bowl MVP multiple times.
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But, according to the leaked stories, neither will get their bust in Canton in 2026.
The statement released by the Pro Football Hall of Fame reads as follows:
The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members and enshrinees of the Hall itself in light of published reports regarding the voting results of the Class of 2026.
It's that very passion that propels the game.
The Hall also respects the members of the Selection Committee when they follow the selection process bylaws. It is an honor to serve as a selector.
Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee. If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection process bylaws, they understand action will be taken.
That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward.
The selection of a new class is the most important duty the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be in question.
While the Pro Football Hall of Fame does not address the "media reports" with any specifics, it stands to reason they're not pleased with leaked info getting out from their 50-person selection committee. The statement suggests that if members of said committee did not follow "selection process bylaws" then they could be removed as members of the committee and thus not be able to vote for Hall of Fame nominees in the future.
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You can view the full news release below.
The Canton Repository sports department can be contacted via email at sports@cantonrep.com .
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement on leaked voting results
