Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

Ray Guy thinks most of the Hall of Fame voters a “stupid people who don’t understand” and he’s right. That the greatest punter in the history of the game is still on the outside looking in at Canton is beyond frustrating…it’s embarrassing.

Guy’s continued Hall of Fame snub is an embarrassment to the Hall itself. After all, if it’s not about honoring the greatest to ever play the game then what’s purpose of any Hall of Fame?

Some will argue that the position of punter just isn’t as important to the game. I and any other reasonable fan would respond with one simple question. Why then is punting a specialized position?

It’s not like this is 1935 and coaches just grab some offensive lineman with a soccer background sending him out on the field to kick. These days high school punters earn scholarships to kick in college. The select few – keep in mind there are only 32 punting jobs available in this country – graduate to the NFL where they make good money just for booting a ball downfield.

If the position is so unimportant than why are these men paid such good money?

Over the years Guy has had his fare share of disappointment. In recent years he had to sell his Super Bowl rings in order to pay off a tax debt. But nothing compares to the empty feeling he gets every year when it comes time for the Hall of Fame vote.

So distraught with the entire process is the greatest punter of all-time that he no longer holds out any hopes of ever making it to Canton.

“I used to anticipate [the call] but not anymore. It crosses my mind and it’s just a fluke. I don’t think about it anymore. I just go on.”

It really is a shame that HOF voters are allowed to create their own standard for enshrinement. Nobody is arguing that every punter should get Canton consideration. Certainly the best to ever play the position should. Beyond that Guy is also one of the great weapons in the history of the game. His story, how he changed the position and indeed the game is a part of the history of football. A Hall of Fame without Ray Guy is an incomplete work. Here’s hoping he’ll be alive to see the day when “stupid” voters finally come to their senses.

Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Lechler still stands alone as the NFL’s best and highest paid punter. Whereas Morstead will be clocking healthy $3.6-million a year, Lechler is in the ultra-exclusive $4-million neighborhood.

Of course Morstead has something Lechler would gladly give up a few hundred thousand for – a Super Bowl ring.

Morstead not only has the jewelry but the lasting legacy of his on-side kick that ultimately turned the tide during the Saints Super Bowl victory. That moment is forever frozen in NFL Films lore.

Sadly the paychecks cashed by Lechler and Morstead will be about all they’ll get for their career accomplishments. As we know by the tragic oversight of Ray Guy there is no room for punters in Canton.

Recently a few former Raiders have experienced this sad but common tale of hardship during life after football.

Last year Ray Guy had to sell off his Super Bowl rings at a bankruptcy auction. Recently it was revealed that the continued trials and tribulations of Ken Stabler have resulted in a $265,000 tax debt he’s unable to pay. And then there’s the unfolding saga of Anthony Smith who each week it seems is being linked to another murder case.

Of the three men mentioned it is easy to feel sympathy for Guy and Stabler. Both remain beloved figures in the silver and black family. Despite their struggles, especially Stabler, their legacies remain undamaged.

As if it isn’t enough that Ray Guy continues to be ignored by the Hall of Fame now he’s without his two most prized football possessions. Stabler’s struggles have been well documented over the years but to many his troubles only endear him more to the fans that lovingly supported him.

Now Smith is a much different story. Who knows what to make of his legal woes?

For starter’s it’s not like we’re talking about a guy that is considered among the all-time greats to wear the jersey. To be sure he was a very talented and productive defender but his reappearance in the headlines is more closely tied to all the false stereotypes associated with the Raiders.

Then again, when a man stands accused of impersonating an officer to kidnap a pair of brothers in order to carryout a gangland killing he could work for Dairy Queen and the story is sure to gain some traction in this media savvy world we live in.

Aside from Smith, it is easy to sit back and point the finger of blame at immature and irresponsible athletes for these types of transgressions. Many only see the fame and glamor of the sport without fully digesting the nature of being a pro. Most athletes are lucky to get three years out of their chosen field. Only a handful ever gets the mega-paydays we so openly discuss. Not to mention bankruptcy, tax debt and marital issues are problems that plague this country as a whole regardless of profession.

Smith, on the other hand, is just a tragic tale on all accounts. That he continues to be associated with murder trials and is currently poised for a re-trial yet hasn’t served any prison time says a lot. It says either he’s the most unfortunate man on the planet or that our justice system is more flawed than we’d care to admit.