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Sharper’s Hall of Fame nomination causes national outcry

The inclusion of former NFL safety and convicted rapist Darren Sharper on this year's list of Hall of Fame nominees has created a national outcry. Sharper, a five-time Pro Bowler, pleaded guilty in 2015 to drugging and raping up to 16 women in four states. (Nick Ut / Associated Press)
AP
The inclusion of former NFL safety and convicted rapist Darren Sharper on this year's list of Hall of Fame nominees has created a national outcry. Sharper, a five-time Pro Bowler, pleaded guilty in 2015 to drugging and raping up to 16 women in four states. (Nick Ut / Associated Press)

The inclusion of former NFL safety and convicted rapist Darren Sharper on the Pro Football’s Hall of Fame nomination list, shocked some people Friday and has started a national debate over who should be eligible for induction.

Sharper, a five-time Pro Bowler, appeared on the list released Thursday because at least one Hall of Fame selector nominated Sharper. He also was nominated last year – before he pleaded guilty in a case in which he was accused of drugging and raping up to 16 women in four states. U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced him to 18 years in prison last month.

Hall of Fame spokesman Joe Horrigan explained that there is no character clause in the bylaws, which are approved by the Hall of Fame’s board of directors. To be eligible for the nominating process, a player or coach must be retired for at least five years. Forty-eight voters nominate and select the players, coaches and contributors to appear on the ballot based solely on the contributions they have made to the sport, Horrigan said.

To make the first of several cuts, a candidate must be nominated by at least one selector. Horrigan said he didn’t know who nominated Sharper this year or last, and that everyone must abide by the rules that are approved by the Hall’s board of directors.

Rams name Goff No. 2

No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff will be the Los Angeles Rams’ backup quarterback in their home opener Sunday against Seattle.

Coach Jeff Fisher made the announcement Friday after the Rams’ final practice of the week.

Goff wasn’t in uniform for the Rams’ 28-0 loss at San Francisco in their season opener Monday. Sean Mannion served as the backup to Case Keenum, who went 17 for 35 for 130 yards with two interceptions.

Bills fire OC Roman

Rex Ryan is holding himself answerable for the Buffalo Bills’ slow start. At the same time, he’s made a significant change to his coaching staff by firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Roman was let go Friday in a bid to kick-start the Bills’ sputtering Tyrod Taylor-led attack.

The team announced the move in an email released a day after Buffalo fell to 0-2 following a 37-31 loss to the New York Jets.

Quick kicks

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory will miss his second straight game Sunday while recovering from a “general medical issue.” … Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is doubtful for Sunday’s game at Houston as he continues to work his way back from surgery last season to repair the torn ACL in his right knee.