Former NFL quarterback Ken Stabler waited dozens of years to earn his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He finally notified of his acceptance into the Hall in 2015, but tragically passed away in July — a month before his formal induction.
Now, Stabler’s family is saying that the Hall of Fame won’t be providing them with his ring or gold jacket.
NFL Hall-of-Famers are given a gold jacket to keep and a bust in the Hall of Fame upon their induction. They're also given a ring at a ceremony at their former team’s stadium at a later date.
But according to Kendra Stabler Moyes, the daughter of Ken Stabler, the Hall of Fame won’t provide the family with either a ring or a jacket
@JimRoss93366948@ProFootballHOF@ChicagoBears@KayJewelers@ESPNMondayNight sadly, my Dad does not get a ring.
— Kendra Stabler Moyes (@KendraSMoyes) November 3, 2016
@nmbr1son@JimRoss93366948@ProFootballHOF@KayJewelers@ESPNMondayNight It isn't about $, we asked Mr. Baker if we could buy ring/jacket.
— Kendra Stabler Moyes (@KendraSMoyes) November 4, 2016
@Wristpins@JimRoss93366948@ProFootballHOF@KayJewelers@ESPNMondayNight good ?, according to Mr. Baker our family is not deserving
— Kendra Stabler Moyes (@KendraSMoyes) November 4, 2016
According to Moyes, the Hall of Fame is worried about families fighting over the gifts.
Very kind of you. Our family actually asked Mr. Baker if we could buy them. Answer was: NO! Excuse: Doesn't want families selling/fighting https://t.co/RnqelXY7RZ
— Kendra Stabler Moyes (@KendraSMoyes) November 4, 2016
Hall of Fame spokesman Joe Horrigan clarified the rule in an email with Yahoo Sports.
“The Hall of Fame has never presented either of these two personal items posthumously. The Hall of Fame does present to the family of a posthumously elected Hall of Famer, the Gold Hall of Fame Crest that is featured on the Hall of Fame Gold Jacket. This is done during Enshrinement Week at the Hall of Fame Gold Jacket Dinner when the other Class members are presented their Gold Jackets.”
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
