LaDainian Tomlinson says Terrell Owens belongs in Hall, but understands voters' reluctance

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- LaDainian Tomlinson is part of the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame class of inductees, a cast that doesn’t include wide receiver Terrell Owens.

While he said Owens is “a Hall of Fame player,” Tomlinson added he understands the reluctance of voters --- who didn’t have Owens among the final 10 nominees when voting took place earlier this month --- to give him a spot in Canton.

“Sometimes perception become reality,” Tomlinson told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. “The perception with T.O., especially with the media, is that he was difficult to get along with in the locker room. He was difficult with the coaches sometimes and acted out.

Terrell Owens belongs in the Hall of Fame, and I hope other voters will join me

“Even though he was a great player, part of being a Hall of Famer is the way you conduct yourself and the impact you have on your teammates and coaches.  That may not be every teammate. I’ve heard guys say he was  great teammate, but typically it’s usually about how you interact with all 53 men and the guys on the practice quad.”

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Tomlinson was tapped as the honorary starter for the Daytona 500 and was headed to meet his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. This is Earnhardt’s first race since he missed the second half of the 2016 Monster Energy Cup Series with a concussion.

“I am happy because he took the time he needed to get healthy,” Tomlinson  said. “Sometimes as athletes all we know how to do is compete, so we push ourselves back from injury when we shouldn’t. Sometimes you have to listen to the people around you to be your best. I’m glad he was able to do that. I know it was difficult for him to missing (18 races). Now, he’s back at the point where he’s really ready to go.”