A great man and pioneer in the development of the NFL died today. He was well liked and respected among fellow owners, players, and generally anyone involved with the NFL, except for one particular subset of people... Cleveland fans. Being a lifelong Browns fan, I too held a grudge for a very long time. It is very difficult to forget the pain at losing the team that was the lifeblood of a fiercely proud city that identified itself with its football team (sorry Indians and Cavaliers, but that's the way it is) for so many years. In respecting that pride and loyal fanbase, the NFL rightfully saw fit to award Cleveland the next expansion team and retention of its records and rich history. Even though we got the Browns back (such as they are), the animosity towards Mr. Modell has not diminished, so much so that he could not enter Cleveland Stadium without numerous death threats. Out of respect (or fear), Mr. Modell never attended another Browns game in Cleveland Stadium again. Acoording to the sports pundits out there, apparently the only thing holding back Mr. Modell from being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame is the moving of the Cleveland franchise to Baltimore. In the interests of his family, the Cleveland community, and the NFL, it is time for the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio to endorse the induction of Art Modell into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is time to FORGIVE.
Here's a link if you are unfamiliar with Modell's legacy. It is not totally "pro-Modell" and you should do your own research for a fully balanced view...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/09/06/modell/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a3&eref=
In any case, the point is, the one thing that would definitely propel Art Modell from a finalist to an inductee into the Hall of Fame would be the endorsement of the people of Cleveland and Ohio. It is time to FORGIVE. He deserves it.
