Letter from David Baker

Dear Fans,

Reports published Friday incorrectly stated that the Hall of Fame was “not allowing” or “barring” the Seau family from speaking at the Enshrinement on Saturday, Aug. 8. Nothing could be further from the truth, which is why I write this letter.

The stories erroneously imply that a change in our policy regarding individuals enshrined posthumously was made solely for the case of Junior Seau when, in fact, it has been the Hall of Fame’s policy since 2010. This is not a precedent setting circumstance. It is existing policy, which is six years old and was first implemented in 2011 when Los Angeles Rams great Les Richter was enshrined posthumously.

For clarification, only Hall of Famers speak at the podium during the Enshrinement. Presenters speak through dramatic videos that celebrate the enshrinees’ Hall of Fame careers.

The role of Sydney Seau, who will present her late father, is the same as the seven other distinguished individuals who will serve as presenters for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2015. As is the case each year at the Enshrinement, all presenters will share their reflections in videos. Sydney will also have multiple other opportunities to speak to the media and fans at Enshrinement Weekend.

The Hall has been in positive communication with Sydney, her mother, and the executor of Junior’s estate who each have communicated to us that they understand and fully support the Hall’s policy.

They, like all of us, want the Enshrinement to celebrate the careers of all eight of these legendary Hall of Famers of the Class of 2015.

The Mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is to “Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.”

The Hall of Fame will make that Mission the focus of the 2015 Enshrinement Weekend. Fans from across the country will travel to Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the NFL, and pay tribute to eight “Heroes of the Game” as Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Charles Haley, Bill Polian, Junior Seau, Will Shields, Mick Tingelhoff, and Ron Wolf – officially join the most exclusive club in all of sports and have their legacies forever preserved in Canton.

Thank you.

David Baker
President