Hall of Fame considering 'T.O.' rule, forcing players to attend ceremony
Terrell Owens appears to be forcing the Pro Football Hall of Fame to rethink its current rules.
The Hall of Fame is considering a new requirement that candidates must commit to attending the enshrinement ceremony before the selection committee makes its final choices, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.
The potential change stems from 2018 inductee Terrell Owens, who chose not to attend the ceremony and instead celebrated at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. It was a major talking point among Hall of Fame members during an annual luncheon Friday, with Florio adding that most strongly disagreed with Owens' decision, while some supported him.
Related: Owens on Hall of Fame: 'There is a flaw in that system'
Under the potential new requirement, the 25 semifinalists would sign an agreement stating they would attend the enshrinement ceremony if selected.
Owens took issue with the Hall of Fame selection process, claiming the sportswriters who vote are not aligned with the mission and the core values of the Hall of Fame.