As it stands, despite being convicted for multiple rapes, ex-NFL safety Darren Sharper can still be voted into the NFL hall of fame.
Sharper has just been sentenced to 9 years behind bars for a string of rapes over four states. But as far as his playing career is concerned, he still remains hall of fame eligible.
TMZ detailed the explanation as to why Sharper can still have a bust erected in Canton, via Geeks and Cleats:
TMZ Sports spoke with Joe Horrigan — Executive V.P. of the Selection Process for the Pro Football HOF — who tells us there’s nothing in the bylaws preventing a convicted criminal from being enshrined in Canton.
Horrigan says as long as the player has been out of the league for 5 years and has made at least 1 All-Pro team … that person is eligible.
That being said … the Exec. V.P. says it’s POSSIBLE voters will take Sharper’s crimes into account when voting for the former New Orleans Saints superstar — but they’re not supposed to.
I’m gonna go on a hunch and put the odds of Sharper making the hall of fame as slim, despite his accomplishments.