Andre Reed's official statement on not getting into the Hall of Fame

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/ FROM KEITH GROLLER WKBW, the ABC television affiliate in the Buffalo area, received a statement from Andre Reed's agent in which Andre expressed his feelings about Saturday night's Hall of Fame voting. In my interview with Andre a few weeks ago, I know he was hopeful, but not overly eager about this being the year for him. He was prepared for this year's voting decision. He has handled himself with class, despite seven years of disappointments. This statement reflects another classy reaction from him, even though I know he's hurting on the inside and knows how much this honor would mean, not only to him, but for his family and DIeruff High School, Kutztown University and many people in the Lehigh Valley. Here's his statement from WKBW.com: "While it is obviously a disappointment and a bit discouraging not to get the Call to the Hall this year, it is without question a continuing honor and high level of acknowledgement by the HOF Committee to be included among the final 10 again. While, I wish the results could have been different, I am thrilled for the players who were admitted yesterday and hope that someday I will join them all in Canton. To be totally honest it is part of my dream and I remain hopeful that someday that honor will be bestowed upon me. Just to be counted with these great players every year is a huge acknowledgement and achievement and I totally respect the process and the people in it. Those voting have a difficult task every year to determine who goes to the Hall and do they an amazing job. My hat is off to them. To all my family, fans and friends who continue to support me and honor me, I am humbled by your love and strength and I am only saddened by the notion that I may have in some way let you down. This morning I got a call from daughter and she said – you are in my Hall of Fame Dad and that is a pretty cool place to be, I will take that and embrace it. I am a man of purpose and strength and I learned well from my father to be patient. I am still gonna get up tomorrow, I am gonna put my pants on one leg at a time like everyone else and I am going to compete and pursue my new life goals and giving back with the same spirit and zeal I always do. I am a competitor and I am a winner and that’s what I am going to continue to be. I have a beautiful life a wonderful family, great friends and I still have a lot to give this game of football and now I am going to go out and do that. i only know how to go at things one way and give a 150 % and that;s what i am going to do. Yes this week in NOLA was exhausting and emotional but, it’s not a funeral, no one died, no one got sick, so no, its not a tragedy and no I don’t feel snubbed, I feel honored to be in mix and I know in my heart the Hall will Call me when the time is right. It just wasn’t my time. Congratulations to all those being inducted – Congrats to Chris for breaking the Receiver log jam and may the best team win today ! Andre Reed 83