[Hank 91]

Really lousy decision on Stanford's part. And a really thoughtless slap at a guy who was willing to come to Stanford even when Idiotface was coach.

I disagree. While I do agree that Toby should eventually be honored in some capacity, this is all about timing. The time is right to retire Elway's #7. His NFL career is complete, and he's deep into his career as an NFL executive. Gerhart, meanwhile, is only three years away from Stanford. I don't think we can retire jerseys or erect statues so quickly. Gerhart deserves this honor, but not yet. And there's no reason there can't be a similar ceremony ten years from now to retire his #7 as well. I'd also argue that each player deserves his own day. I think it would be disrespectful to Elway to ask him to share that night with a kid young enough to be his son. (The Yankees famously retired #8 for both Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra (alas, in a single ceremony on the same day) and have two #8s hanging along with the other retired numbers.)

Stanford is doing the right thing by honoring Elway. I trust they will do the right thing and honor Gerhart when the time is right.

[Hank 91]

Really lousy decision on Stanford's part. And a really thoughtless slap at a guy who was willing to come to Stanford even when Idiotface was coach.

I disagree. While I do agree that Toby should eventually be honored in some capacity, this is all about timing. The time is right to retire Elway's #7. His NFL career is complete, and he's deep into his career as an NFL executive. Gerhart, meanwhile, is only three years away from Stanford. I don't think we can retire jerseys or erect statues so quickly. Gerhart deserves this honor, but not yet. And there's no reason there can't be a similar ceremony ten years from now to retire his #7 as well. I'd also argue that each player deserves his own day. I think it would be disrespectful to Elway to ask him to share that night with a kid young enough to be his son. (The Yankees famously retired #8 for both Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra (alas, in a single ceremony on the same day) and have two #8s hanging along with the other retired numbers.)

Stanford is doing the right thing by honoring Elway. I trust they will do the right thing and honor Gerhart when the time is right.