[GMScud]

They had no issue putting Michael Irvin in. He was a classless loudmouth showboat with legal issues involving crack and prostitutes. That said, he was a great player, and what he did on the field is what got him in. But a part of it is popularity as well. I don't think popularity should play a role, but as long as humans are voting, it inevitably always will. But overall the Hall of Fame is still a lofty, super highly respected thing.

I think off the field conduct should absolutely count towards your status as one of the greats and/or a pioneer of the game.

The position you play shouldn't dictate your greatness, but flashy positions like WRs and QBs are always going to get more publicity than O-lineman, fullbacks, etc.