I know, I know. "The horse is dead, Brud. Leave it alone."
Last year following the announcement of the finalists, Dr. Z of Sports Illustrated made the following statement
here:
"Monk was hurt by Michael Irvin being eligible this year. It's done alphabetically, and Irvin was presented before Monk. I think that really hurt him."
Irvin is still eligible, but may carry a taint because of his recent arrest for possession of drug paraphenalia. It may cause some voters to say "not this year" and pass on him, giving the alphabetically-challenged Monk a better chance with the voters.
Discuss. Or don't. I'm not getting paid.