T.O. tells Hall of Fame: You can party without me
Report: Edelman faces suspension
Terrell Owens always likes being the center of attention. His decision to skip the induction ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August will keep him far from the spotlight.
Owens was voted into the hall in February after being denied in his first two years of eligibility. His announcement Thursday is unprecedented by an enshrinee.
“Hopefully, the story this summer will remain about those that will be there instead of the one that will not,” said Howard Balzer of SiriusXM Radio, a 15-year voter for the Hall of Fame.
In a statement released Thursday by his publicist, Owens said: “While I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, I have made the decision to publicly decline my invitation to attend the induction ceremony in Canton.
“After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere,” Owens added.
The Hall confirmed the former All-Pro receiver informed it he would not be on hand Aug. 4 for the enshrinements.
“We are disappointed but will respect Terrell’s decision not to participate in the enshrinement,” Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker said.
“While unprecedented, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the nearly 5,000 volunteers and the entire community are committed to celebrating the excellence of the Class of 2018 that will kick off the NFL’s 99th season.
“As we do not want to detract from this great honor being enjoyed by the seven other members of the class of 2018 — Bobby Beathard, Robert Brazile, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss and Brian Urlacher — their family, friends, and fans, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will have no further comment on the decision made by Terrell Owens.”
Owens heavily criticized the voting process when he failed to be elected in 2016 and 2017. Among the reasons he fell short were his being considered a divisive teammate and negative presence in the locker room.
“I think T.O. actually was disappointed when he got in this year,” said Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News, who presented Owens’ case for induction and has been on the selection committee for 16 years. “I think he was happier when he got snubbed and could play the part of the persecuted victim and moan on every radio talk show that was willing to bring him on about the unfairness of the process.”
EDELMAN: ESPN reported Thursday that New England receiver Julian Edelman could be suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancers policy.
Edelman, 32, who missed the 2017 season after tearing his right ACL in a preseason game, is facing a four-game suspension.
Edelman was the last player on the field for drills Thursday and was seen having a long talk with Pats owner Robert Kraft.
According to the report, Edelman is appealing the suspension, saying he had passed “hundreds of tests” in the past.
If the suspension stands, he would miss a home game against Houston, at Jacksonville and Detroit, and home against Miami.
BROWNS: Running back Duke Johnson has reached agreement with Cleveland on a three-year, $15.6 million contract extension.
Johnson was the team’s top playmaker last season when the club went 0-16.
He led the Browns with 74 catches and 693 yards receiving. He also rushed for 348 yards and scored four touchdowns.