Owens won't attend Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Terrell Owens waited two years to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he won't attend the ceremony.

The retired NFL receiver was snubbed by Hall of Fame voters in the two previous years before finally receiving the call this February, and his induction has apparently done little to cool the sting of not making the cut earlier.

Owens posted a statement on his website Thursday, declining the invitation to his induction ceremony.

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. I have already shared this information with the Hall. 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. At a later date, I will announce where and when I will celebrate my induction.

Owens added that he is honored to be enshrined and thanked the five teams he played for: the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.

David Baker, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, shared his disappointment with Owens' "unprecedented" move.

"We are disappointed but will respect Terrell's decision not to participate in the Enshrinement," Baker said in a statement obtained by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

"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."

The class of 2018 also includes Ray Lewis, Randy Moss, Brian Urlacher, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Bobby Beathard, and Robert Brazile.

Owens, a five-time All-Pro, owns the second-most receiving yards (15,934) in NFL history, trailing only former teammate Jerry Rice. He also has the fifth-most career touchdowns of any player in league history.