In a Rush to Stop Limbaugh
Written by RandolphC, Wednesday October 07 2009
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell so strongly believes in protecting the league’s integrity that he gave himself power beyond state and national laws to determine the fate of the players in the league, even without a verdict.
If Goodell is to truly stand behind his ideal, then he should lead the front to prevent a group led by Dave Checketts and Rush Limbaugh to purchase the St. Louis Rams.
It was made public this week that Checketts, current owner of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, and Limbaugh, a conservative talk radio host, are joining forces to purchase 60 percent of the Rams from team owner and chairman Chip Rosenbloom and his sister Lucia Rodriguez.
The Checketts-Limbaugh group isn’t alone, as there may be up to a dozen other groups interested in buying the Rams. Checketts and Limbaugh are the only group to express their interest publicly.
If Checketts and Limbaugh are potential buyers, they’d have to gain the approval of Rosenbloom and Rodriguez to sell their majority to them. After the Rams’ ownership’s blessing, Checketts-Limbaugh must be approved by the NFL owners by a three-fourths majority, which is 24 out of 32 votes.
If Goodell truly has the integrity of the league in mind, he won’t allow a group that has an association with Rush Limbaugh to own an NFL franchise.
In a sport where the demographics of the league is two-thirds African-American, having Limbaugh involved with a team on any level could lead to a racially divisive situation.
Rush Limbaugh’s relationship with African Americans is already volatile. They hate the ultra-conservative right wing political critic because they believe Limbaugh is a bigot. There’s no hard evidence or statistics to prove the belief, but they reached the conclusion based on numerous statements made by Limbaugh that lead to the strong assumption.
There might not be a stronger indictment of Limbaugh than during his brief job as a commentator on ESPN’s NFL Countdown in 2003. When the analysts were discussing the high level of play by Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb, one of a few black quarterbacks in the league at the time, Limbaugh said:
I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. They’re interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well. I think there’s a little hope invested in McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he really didn’t deserve.
Limbaugh already had a reputation based on word of mouth. But this opinion was made on national television to millions of football fans, many that are minorities.
The ESPN array of analysts was in disbelief when they heard Limbaugh. Tom Jackson, a former linebacker, was so stunned by the comment, he was frozen in place. Days later, Limbaugh resigned, likely forced out by ESPN, as the other option was to be fired by the network.
One slip of the tongue doesn’t define an individual. Talk radio host Don Imus recovered from his “nappy-headed hoes” joke because he quickly apologized profusely for saying it. Limbaugh said the comment was directed at the media and not McNabb, but he didn’t apologize. Later on his radio show, Limbaugh said, “All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something.”
Not being remorseful for his ESPN statement puts Limbaugh in a dark light with African-Americans. That, along with his reputation makes it hard for Rush to recover from. But for those familiar with Limbaugh, they’ve already made up their mind about him:
I mean, let’s face it, we didn’t have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I’m not saying we should bring it back; I’m just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark.
You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.
Take that bone out of your nose and call me back (to an African American female caller).
While none of these statements definitively say Limbaugh is a bigot, where there’s smoke, there’s fire many conclude.
Limbaugh might actually be a good owner if he gets the chance. But as a controversial figure with a history of turning off a substantial portion of the fan population, a reaction to Limbaugh as co-owner is very possible.
Fans could rally to boycott the team, others could switch allegiance, and prominent organizations could organize protests. It could also affect the team on the field as many free agents might refuse to sign with a team that has Limbaugh in the front office.
The Checketts-Limbaugh group will gain favor from many because they want to keep the Rams in St. Louis. But accepting Checketts-Limbaugh into the ownership circle puts a pock mark on the league. It would be a mistake to allow the Checketts-Limbaugh group to become NFL owners as they could drag down the Rams because of Limbaugh’s reputation.
Protecting the league’s integrity starts with Goodell. Whether he uses his influence to sway owners or he makes the decision to reject all offers from Checketts and Limbaugh, regardless of how lucrative, Goodell needs to do what’s in the best interest of the NFL. There could be consequences to welcoming Checketts and Limbaugh to the ownership fraternity.
If Goodell believes Limbaugh qualifies to be an NFL owner, he should take a hard look at Limbaugh and ask himself an important question:
Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.
Is this someone you want owning one of the league’s teams?
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42 comments
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I just finished some research. I was told the Medal of Honor, bone out your nose, and slavery quotes were fabricated. I went through three libraries to find the book the quotes came from. The footnote from that book to me here: http://mediamatters.org/research/200405020008 Because none of those three quotes are in that article, I'll conclude that the quotes were fake. I'm sorry for using them. It seemed credible, but if it wasn't in the source, then the quotes weren't real. I stand by my opinion that the NFL shouldn't let Limbaugh become a minority owner as long as the NFL insists on protecting the shield's integrity.
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Whether racsim does or doesn't exist, it's clear we have strong opinions about it. It's good to at least talk about it. And Eagles707, the sarcasm was needed as clearly this discussion got the ire up of the participants here.
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Umm.. b-dub i don't know you either but if its my credentials you want grab a football and me on any football field and bring Limbaugh with you. We have enough undercover racist in the NFL without importing new ones. also I'm from south Florida, Football breeding ground; home of the Northwestern Bulls, the Miami Hurricanes, Florida State and the Florida Gators and I don't know anyone that would want to play for Limbaugh. who is going to scout for the rams? I wonder how would that conversation go? Sitting in the home of some Black mother trying to convince her All star son to go to the rams. b-dub you are clueless and I guess you never heard of VH1 or Mtv.
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Disclaimer for any extremists out there that might take my last comment too serious: I am joking about letting Rush in. This would clearly be a bad decisions for the Rams and the NFL.
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Well argued Bama! The truth of the matter is you simply wouldn't get it if you are not a minority. I won't get into the arguing and all because Bama has made all of the necessary points but I will say that it is clear that racism/prejudices still exist. If you deny that then you are the clueless idiot. Just look at what this article has stirred up. I say let Rush in so we can separate the house N**gas from the field N**gas! LMAO! I hope that doesn't make me sound like Farrakhan, Al, or Jesse.
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MC, if Rush publically said he was racist/homophobic/mysogonisitc, while it would galvanize his fan base, it would be professional suicide. Racsim is institutiionalized for the most part today because those individuals know clearly stating their views has the potential to hurt their career. People draw their own conclusions based on one's actions and words. Rush's words make people believe he's ignorant. And in this world we live in, perception becomes reality all the time. And Mike Mims, not that I'm disrespecting ya, I respect one's decision to call oneself the N word or use it, but prefer not to be called that by anyone. We're brothas in my book.
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What frustrates me about the both of you is that you just don't get it. This is 2009 I shouldn't have to give lessons on race to two old white guys but apparently I do. Dub the players have spoken. They don't want to play for the old fat racist blow hard maybe you do. So, maybe you should try out because if he becomes part owner of the Rams, all they'll have left is slow white guys so, you'll fit right in. Good luck to you. Ok Homer for your sake I won't call Rush a racist; from now on I'll just call him a fat bigot. Feel better now? I guess Rush is going to have too burn in cross in someone's yard for you to see what he really is but knowing you, you'll probably just say he is just toasting marshmellows. :)
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There is no doubt that racism still exists in this country and it is truly unfortunate that some people choose to believe they are better than others. Racism is like war, it's nice to hope for a world without it, but it is never going to happen no matter how many rallies and marches are held. Human nature won't allow it. Everyone wants more, wants to be better than the next person. It sucks, but that is how human nature works. Humans are selfish beings at the core. What some of you need to realize is that your opinion is not the only way to see things. Not everyone believes Limbaugh is a racist. I know next to nothing about the guy, so I have no feelings either way, but beating everyone over the head with your opinion, and telling us we're wrong for having a different view, is naive. It's okay to have an opinion, just don't tell other people that their's is wrong if they disagree with you. The last thing I'd like to say before you all get up in arms again (with the same nonsense you spew in every comment), calling someone a racist should not be thrown around lightly. Limbaugh may have views you don't agree with, but calling someone a racist and/or a bigot without having concrete facts to back it up, brings you down to their level. Nothing Randolph said in his article, proves without a doubt, that Limbaugh is racist. Unless he comes out and says "I hate (insert race here) people" then it is only subjective. Don't lower yourself to his level.
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This is ridiculous. Bama, you are clueless. What the hell is the color of the sky in your world where everyone who is white is a racist? Michael Mims? Never heard of you so you'll have to enlighten me as to where you had your cup of coffee in the NFL. What practice squad were you on for five minutes? Players will go where the most money is. To think otherwise is simply WRONG. The players union and it's president can say whatever they want and it won't matter. Money rules the bottom line and you all know it. If you don't realize that then you are a clueless idiot. I won't be clicking on this bullshit article again.
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Finally some back up. :) Thank you Michael for pointing out what I've been saying all along that the players would not play for Rush Limbaugh no matter how much money he has and the NFL is courting trouble if they let him buy into a franchise. Thank you RC for presenting a letter from the Players Union stating the same thing. Sometimes you can't "buy" someone's beliefs. Black players know how it would look if they played for Rush, they'd look like Uncle Tom sell-outs. And I agree with Michael, that locker room would be divided. And finally to address you Benn, you have "White Entertainment Television" every night on all the major networks: NBC, ABC,CBS and Fox. Can you name me five televison shows with a mostly black assemble cast? I can think of two right now and one of those shows is on Lifetime. If it wasn't for BET we would have never seen any black artist because MTV didn't show any. Michael Jackson was the first black artist on MTV. The reason why we as African-Americans needed our own stuff like black cable stations, black magazines, black beauty pagents is because we weren't included. My cousin is the ONE and ONLY and FIRST black Miss Alabama. To my knowledge that hasn't been anyone else since her. So, before some of you open your mouth about why blacks have this, why blacks have this, know your history.
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Hey i just wanted to stop by and give my two cents. someone mentioned that winning is color blind. let me tell you as someone that actually played football its next to impossible to win with a divided locker room no matter how much talent you have on the roster. Also let me say as a player there is no way I'd play for Limbaugh! let me clear up another misconception (peever) the reason blacks allow other blacks to call them the N word and get upset when others say it is because of the intent not the word. when blacks say this word to each other its not said to be disrespectful.
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Hey Chrisco, thanks for the props. And you're right about racism being subjective. We all have different standards of what crosses the line. My line was crossed in two clearcut instances. The second time, with the option to stay or go, I left because that person didn't deserve my money. Limbaugh has crossed the line of much of the population and they could react like I did. And just today, I learned that the NFLPA's president DeMaurice Smith emailed the league, saying the union is against Limbaugh's ownership bid. Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4551010 I do understand the Smith doesn't neccessarily speak for everybody, but it's a heck of a statement for this to come out.
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Hey RandolphC First congrats on the #1 most read article on playerpress...those early comments about whether this was a sports issue, it sure is... now, should Rush be allowed to own a team? I was in a band a while back where one of the black members in the band asked me why i didn't like black people... now here i am, my wife is black, my best friend (and another band member) is black, my governor at the time is black and my president is black, but this particular guy decided i did not like black people... it seems to me what makes someone a racist is subjective... do i agree with Rush, almost never....should it keep him from owning a team, i don't think so, because we'd be left with a small number of people who could own a team... the Red Sox had a very racist owner for years in Tom Yawkey, and really, that was more of a curse on the team than anything the Babe ever did... again, i don't like Rush, but if we wanted to, we could have a small pool of who could be an owner...
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What a disappointment I am, barely participating in this discussion when it's my article. ;-) I did mention that Rush could be a great owner, colorblind when it comes to winning. I don't think he would segregate the locker room or something unbelievably stupid like that. I really wonder if minority players would sign with the Rams if Limbaugh is the owner. And not only minorities, as I believe some white players believe so strongly in their principles that they wouldn't play for Rush. I remember former Packers tight end Mark Chmura didn't go visit the White House after winning the Super Bowl because he didn't respect President Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky. And then later Chmura accused of sexual assault by his babysitter. Excluding Chmura's hipocrisy, the point is players will stand behind what they believe. The question is how many in regards to Limbaugh.
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I do agree with one thing Peever said. If there was a "White Entertainment Television" channel it would not be allowed to exist. However, come on man. There is literally NO WAY you can think Limbaugh isn't a racist. Of course he is. But will the NFL allow him to own part of the Rams? Of course they will.
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Peever, let me explain something to you. I don't give a damn who you are, black or white it's not ok to be racist. If Louis Farrkan decided he wanted to own an NFL team, I wouldn't approve of it because of is views what I don't understand is why most of you can't say the same thing about someone like Rush Limbaugh who as RC has pointed has made very bigoted and racist comments against African-Americans. Racism or bigoted views haven't gone away because we have an African-American President. Those organizations you name were needed and still are to show the light on subjects that sometimes we as Americans want to sweep under the rug. Your comments Peever and the comments of others is exactly why they are still around because you still aren't very enlighten at times or senstive to the needs, wants and ideas of African-Americans.
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Hey babababe, why is Ok for blacks to call each other the "N" word and everything is OK? Yet when a white person says it is flat out racism? and why is it not racism when a black person calls a white person, whitey, cracker, or honky? And why isn't the NAACP, the United Negro College fund, The black Miss America pageant, Miss Black USA, African American Speaker Bureau (AASB), or the National Urban League (NUL) to name a few not considered racist? If there was a United white college fund, or beauty pageants that only allowed whites to compete, or any other organizations that were strictly for whites, you would scream racism at the top of your lungs. Talk about a double standard! And all this talk about Rush being a racist is ridiculous. Just because he made one comment about Donavan McNabb doesn't mean he is a racist. Yes he may be a blowhard, but I think the term racist is highly overused by black people when they don't agree with a particular white person. Personally, I think this is all BS! Why can't we all just get along?
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Jesse and Al don't have to be taken seriously by you, but do you honestly think regredless of the money that Roger Goodell wants to have protest at every NFL venue because of Rush Limbaugh? What makes Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson powerful is that they can make a helluva a lot of noise. They can organize and get others to organize as well. And the biggest thing that the Rams need to worry about are players revolting. Maybe not all of them, but I can see players not playing or not playing their hardest because of him. I'm telling you, it would be a diaster and I find it hard to believe that the NFL wants to go down that road.
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But...like I said, many sports owners are Texas oil-boys who likely agree with at least some of what Rush spews out his flanhole. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have become running jokes in recent years. They held a purpose in the past, but no one gives a crap about what they say anymore. I'm not saying hey shouldn't be taken seriously, I am simply saying they are not taken seriously.
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My point is besides Rush being an idiot, that the NFL does not want the bad publicity. They don't want Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton to be stirring the pot around the league no matter how much money he has. I agree with RC, how can a league that claims and promotes diversity in the league let a man like this be an owner of a mostly black NFL team? Like I said if you think that black players and coaches are just going keep their mouths shut, think again and like I said personally, I don't think the NFL is not that crazy. They don't need the money and I'm sure Goodell has already said to the St. Louis owners, do you REALLY want to do this?