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NFL Cancels 2011 Hall of Fame Game Between Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams
July 22, 2011 by Dan Paryzch
Filed under Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams
As we get closer and closer to the NFL Lockout coming to an end (hopefully), there’s one thing we’ll have to live without this season–the 2011 NFL Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Thursday how this year’s game will be canceled due to the lockout since there doesn’t seem to be enough time for players to prepare. As everyone knows, players have been banned from practicing in their facilities this entire offseason and even if the lockout does officially end this weekend–August 7 seems too early for players to already begin participating in games considering the amount of time it will take for teams to figure out when the start of training camp will be.
Here’s what the Pro Football Hall of Fame had to say about the matter in a statement released Thursday night:
While the Pro Football Hall of Fame is disappointed by the news that the NFL/Hall of Fame Game will not be played, we appreciate the effort that was made on our behalf by the league and players right up until the last minute.
Although the game is an important part of the 10-day, 18-event Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, it is important to remember that the most important event is the Enshrinement Ceremony which will be held on Saturday night August 6 as scheduled.
Obviously, the loss of this year’s game will have a significant adverse economic impact on the Hall of Fame and the Canton community. We believe, however, that the long-term stability this new agreement will provide will be beneficial not only to the league and the players, but to the fans and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On the bright side–at least members of the Bears and Rams no longer have to worry about being at a disadvantage by playing that extra preseason game.
Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for www.RantSports.com/NFL, where he writes and edits NFL content for www.RantSports.com.
Be sure to follow Dan on Twitter @DanParzych