The Hall of Fame (I thought we were over that last week) comes surging to the fore, and the name that simply won't go away, that of Art Monk, has drawn what Andrew described as "triple-figure e-mails." He has chosen, as the spokesman for this group, Chris of Martinsburg, W. Va., who presents a pretty solid case for this ex-Redskins wideout. Once we get past the usual list of statistics (yawn), we get to the real stuff:

"His team speech about recommitment near the end of the previous season seemed to be a real momentum-builder for the Super Bowl run in 1991. He blocked and never cried about not getting the damn ball. He didn't have a long term relationship with Montana, Young or Marino. He had at least four QBs while in DC."

OK, we all know that I have been a Monk negative for many years. My line has been "catching 800 8-yard hooks just doesn't do it for me." Maybe it's time to take a closer look at that rather supercilious observation. Maybe a player who has drawn such a loyal following, year in year out, deserves more serious consideration. And perhaps those Redskin fans aren't mere nudniks, as I've unfortunately come to regard them, but people who might, just might, have a more accurate reading on the situation than I do. I'm not saying that you're swinging me over completely; it's just that I'm a lot closer to Monk's legitimacy as a Hall of Famer than I used to be.

Chris, the chosen spokesman, says, incidentally, that he interned for the Redskins the last year of RFK, "and I think I sat next to you at a game. I borrowed one of your pencils without asking and you didn't yank it out of my hand. You must be a pretty decent guy."

Well, Chris, you didn't and I'm not. I wasn't at RFK that year, and if that would have been me and you swiped one of my pencils without telling me, you'd have gotten one right in the throat and you'd be talking funny right now. You must have mistaken either Tony Kornheiser or Mike Wilbon for me. The only reason I'm forgiving you for something you really didn't do is your observation, "I'm also married to a flaming redhead and am in the doghouse." Probably for stealing pencils.

G. Bachman of Houston has a roster of Cowboys who belong in the Hall, and oddly enough, a traditional non-Dallas fan, such as me, has worked for three of them. Cliff Harris you know about. I've been speaking on his behalf for years. I was on the seniors committee that nominated Bob Hayes a few years ago and was upset when he couldn't clear the final hurdle. At one time I pushed for Chuck Howley, who ranked with Jack Ham as the best coverage linebacker I've ever seen. But he didn't stand a chance because I couldn't produce fancy sack totals for him. Drew Pearson has not been a project of mine because the position has been too crowded. And every year, as heavier pass-catching stats come in, it's going to be tougher for him.

Another Hayes recommendation, from Steve of Slingerlands, N.Y. (and thanks for your comments). "How did he change the game?" he asks. By forcing the proliferatiojn of the two-deep zone, he says. Shouldn't this be a major consideration for enshrinement? Yes. I was for him. What are his chances now? Bad. Once a seniors candidate gets dinged, he's treated as if he's disease-ridden.

From Dan of Albuquerque, N.M. -- Dick LeBeau's chances, as a player and coach? Great DB, but he'd have a hell of a time crashing the waiting line for seniors. If somehow a window were opened on the enshrinement process and assistant coaches began to be recognized, I'd say his chances would be pretty good, because he was one of the most innovative defensive coordinators the game has seen.

Coach Jim from Detroit is trying to win me over with an absolutely embarrassing litany of praise for me, for The Redhead ("Give her a kiss for me." Tell me your style and I'll try to accommodate), even Little Jake the tabby (no kisses there, unless I want to get my lip torn off). And all this on behalf of a couple of Sabols. What are Sabols? You know, those furs that are so expensive. Ha ha, OK, Steve and his dad, Ed, of NFL Films. Do they deserve to be enshrined? Perhaps, but not worshipped.

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