CANTON, Ohio -- 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.