Tagliabue Gives His Vote to Taylor for Hall of Fame

It is the first competition of this Super Bowl weekend, but it won’t be staged in front of millions and there won’t be any bloodshed.

At least not on the surface.

It’s today’s competition for a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Designated members of the Pro Football Writers of America must select at least four candidates from the modern era, but not more than seven of the 15 overall finalists in a secret ballot.

Among those nominated are four appearing on the ballot for the first time: defensive end Howie Long, running back Eric Dickerson, linebacker Lawrence Taylor and Coach Marv Levy.

The other candidates are Coach George Allen, defensive end Jack Youngblood, guard Tom Mack, tackle Ron Yary, punter Ray Guy, wide receiver Lynn Swann, wide receiver John Stallworth, defensive end Carl Eller, tight end Ozzie Newsome and owner Dan Rooney.

The seniors’ committee added one name, guard Billy Shaw.

Some have questioned whether Taylor, whose off-the-field problems have ranged from drug abuse to tax evasion, should be allowed in.

“I think he should,” NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. “And I say that without qualification.

“I have given it a lot of thought. I think we have a system where we are able to hold our athletes, both present and former, such as Lawrence, to very demanding standards in the areas where they are expected to perform. The Hall of Fame is about performing on the field. And there, Lawrence Taylor was, as everyone knows, one of the greatest. He changed the way the game is played.”

Denver vs. Atlanta

Sunday, 3:15 p.m.

at Miami

TV: Channel 11