I just about fell off my chair when Doug Williams revealed a couple members of the 1979 Bucs were miffed Lee Roy Selmon was the only player being inducted into the Ring of Honor. So much so, they weren't coming Sunday to 'throwback' day at Ray Jay.
Where did that come from and why? Did I get this Sunday's ceremonial 'throwback' day messed up in my mind.
I was under the impression that the 'throwback' uniform worn on that day was to signify the great season the 1979 team posted. Great idea. They were 10-6, and one win away from going to the Super Bowl.
Separate from the 'throwback' deal would be the inaugural induction of the Ring of Honor. Defensive End Lee Roy Selmon will be the first inductee.
Evidentially, a couple to a few members of the 1979 team thought the two were entwined, which they are not. The Ring of Honor induction has nothing to do with the 1979 team. It has to do with an entire career.
The distinction was made very clear in the Bucs press release. Where the confusion comes in is beyond me.
I don't know who those miffed players are, but I sure wish they would get over it.
An apparent lack of communication is the culprit here. Isn't it always?
After further explanation and they remain ticked off, then there's something much deeper keeping them away.
One final thought. Lee Roy Selmon deserved to be the first inductee. There is no discussion. There should be no naysayers. He is in a class by himself, in Canton.
I would suggest that next year, the Bucs double time their efforts and include more than one player. Might I suggest one player from every decade? No need to start exclusively with the early years. Then a couple of players a year, or one.
Just a suggestion.
Oh, my choices from the 'throwback' era: Head Coach John McKay, if coaches are allowed in. Also, Doug Williams, 'Batman" Woods, Jimmie Giles, David Lewis and Ricky Bell.
