Editing Bob Hayes (section)

===2004 controversy===
Hayes was close to being inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 2004, but was denied the opportunity in the final round of decision-making. The decision was marred by controversy, with many claiming that the Hall of Fame Senior Selection Committee had a bias against members of the Dallas Cowboys and other NFL teams.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1726974 | title=Zimmerman: Hayes deserved to get in | date=February 4, 2004 | access-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> Others believe Hayes' legal and drug use issues marred his chances.<ref name=lwksfl>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gpUyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NOcFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6681%2C4521393 |work=Lawrence Daily Journal-World |location=(Kansas) |agency=Associated Press |title=Downfall of ex-Cowboy star Hayes: Last week they sprayed him for lice |date=April 22, 1979 |page=5B}}</ref><ref name=bbhdif>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8PtPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zQgEAAAAIBAJ&hl=es&pg=1980%2C1036472 |work=Ocala Star-Banner |location=(Florida) |last=Word |first=Ron |agency=Associated Press |title='Bullet' Bob Hayes dies of kidney failure |date=September 20, 2002 |page=1C}}</ref> Shortly after the announcement of the new 2004 Hall of Fame members, long-time ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' writer [[Paul Lionel Zimmerman|Paul Zimmerman]] resigned from the Selection Committee in protest of the decision to leave Hayes out of the Hall. Zimmerman eventually returned as a Hall of Fame voter.<ref>[http://www.thefootballsearchengine.com/JimMarshall/HOFvoters/ Pro Football Hall of Fame Voters]. Thefootballsearchengine.com. Retrieved on May 30, 2015.</ref>