[SmootSmack]

SC, what you're saying about the media is interesting because often times the reverse happens as well. Players are all too eager to talk. When I was working as a sports producer, I noticed there were several times when a player would approach reporters after a game and offer to speak. Even if we didn't need a soundbite.

On the surface you'd think "well, they're just being cooperative" and to an extent that was true, but more so they wanted to make sure they were on our good side and would remember them down the line. Don't think that LaVar isn't aware that many of these same reporters he's always eager to talk to are the same ones who will be punching his ticket to Canton...should that day ever come.

When I think of Art Monk though, I'm reminded of the Orioles' Eddie Murray. He was by no means a media darling and there were many who thought that would keep him out of the HOF a little longer. But the writers put aside any personal dislike or frustration and looked solely at his on-field performance. Murray was, deservedly, a first ballot Hall-of-Famer. I'd like to think the same rules of impartiality apply in Monk's case...but alas, it does not appear that way.