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The family of Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney on Saturday rejected claims that the former Detroit Lions player had died.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame mistakenly announced that Barney had died at the age of 80. The organization issued another statement, apologizing for the contradictory information.
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Detroit Lions cornerback (20) Lem Barney during the 1975 season against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium on September 28, 2017. (Manny Rubio/USA TODAY Sports)
“Based on conflicting information regarding the passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent today,” officials said via the New York Post. “The Hall has not been able to independently confirm such news. Please accept our apologies.”
Barney’s son told The Detroit Free Press that his father was alive, and his great-niece criticized the reports in a Facebook post.
“This is a lie, my great uncle is alive, we don’t know who is behind this, but we will find out!!!!!! Please report this,” he wrote on Facebook.
Lem Barney arrives during the pro football HOF enshrinement ceremonies at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 5, 2017. (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports)
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Barney was a second-round pick of the Lions in 1967 out of Jackson State. He played in 14 games in 1967 and led the NFL with 10 interceptions and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts.
He was selected All-Pro in his first three seasons in the NFL and made seven Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Lions.
Barney ended his career after the 1977 season. He had 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries in 140 career games.
Former Lions star Barry Sanders and Lem Barney on the sidelines on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at Ford Field. (Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
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Following his career, he was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team and the Lions’ All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
