Rush Limbaugh and the Rams

Dr. Cheese · #1 10-14-2009, 07:31 AM

It looks like Rush may not be allowed to be an owner of the Rams because of his profession as a political pundit. I have mixed feelings. First, I do not believe that someone's politics should generally prevent them from buying something, furthermore, I seriously doubt if Limbaugh would be the only owner with his views.

The flipside is that the NFL does not have to let Rush into their club. Concern about their image or possible labor trouble are legitimate concerns. What do you guys think?

SteveC · #2 10-14-2009, 07:36 AM

I'm guessing if it was an outspoken dem/liberal it wouldn't be news. I'm not saying I'm a Limbaugh fan, I'm just sayin...

Stampy · #3 10-14-2009, 07:43 AM

I don't see him becoming an owner. I was listening to ESPN news this morning and I was hearing how many players may boycott if he were to buy the Rams. For him to become an owner 24 out of the 32 teams have to approve(75%). I think it's going to be very tough.

PSPookie · #4 10-14-2009, 07:49 AM

The explanation I heard was that the NFL is meant to be a uniting influence on people regardless of race, religion or politics and that Rush is a divider. I believe the same concept should and would apply to a liberal pundit.

IMO no one dislikes Limbaugh becasue he is conservative. We dislike him because he is an a-hole.

Hamrhed · #5 10-14-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

IMO no one dislikes Limbaugh becasue he is conservative. We dislike him because he is an a-hole.

Well said- I concur...

I believe that Limbaugh will own those comments about McNabb forever- its inevitable. He was wrong, and now he will reap what he has sown...

However- he already lost a job because of it, so now he'll probably get snubbed on this ownership bid as well. I personally think its ironic that players get second chances in the NFL constantly: animal cruelty, domestic abuse, idiocy that leads to people getting maimed for life... second and sometimes more chances at a career. But man, look at that same group of people line up to stone Rush

I personally cant stand Limbaugh- he is nothing more than a media personality serving a target audience. Colin Cowherd called this as well- the players should look in the mirror before judging anyone, as they have benefitted on getting breaks after missteps as much as anyone...

**Eric Perry** · #6 10-14-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

...I do not believe that someone's politics should generally prevent them from buying something...

As much as I detest the guy, I have to agree with this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

...The flipside is that the NFL does not have to let Rush into their club. Concern about their image or possible labor trouble are legitimate concerns...

Here's where disagree. I don't see how the NFL truly cares one iota about their image when dollar signs are involved. The current crop of criminals (not mentioning any names) allowed to collect their massive paychecks despite their repeat and/or heinous crimes reflects this, in my eyes.

SteveC · #7 10-14-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

I don't see how the NFL truly cares one iota about their image when dollar signs are involved. The current crop of criminals (not mentioning any names) allowed to collect their massive paychecks despite their repeat and/or heinous crimes reflects this, in my eyes.

Well said.

playinpearls · #8 10-14-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

Here's where disagree. I don't see how the NFL truly cares one iota about their image when dollar signs are involved. The current crop of criminals (not mentioning any names) allowed to collect their massive paychecks despite their repeat and/or heinous crimes reflects this, in my eyes.

+10

Players are constantly involved in stupid acts such as club shootings, drive-bys, dog fighting...

i dont see how Rush should be disqualified due to political stance. of course..this country is going to crap in politics anyway so it wouldn't surprise me.

Mark Latimour · #9 10-14-2009, 08:44 AM

He doesn't strike me as the sporting type.

CrashClint · #10 10-14-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

Here's where disagree. I don't see how the NFL truly cares one iota about their image when dollar signs are involved. The current crop of criminals (not mentioning any names) allowed to collect their massive paychecks despite their repeat and/or heinous crimes reflects this, in my eyes.

And the whole player boycott thing is a complete array of B.S.! There is not one player out there who is going to forgo their massive paycheck just because Limbaugh is one of the buyers.

Brick Top · #11 10-14-2009, 08:50 AM

It makes me laugh when I hear Rush bashing away at socialism on a daily bases on his radio show(yes I listen to it almost daily)...yet he wants to be apart of the most socialist program running in the USA. The NFL has a revenue program that works...unlike other sports leagues.

Rush is a racist...period! That would get you many votes from the other owners.

Cheers,
BT

Dr. Cheese · #12 10-14-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

And the whole player boycott thing is a complete array of B.S.! There is not one player out there who is going to forgo their massive paycheck just because Limbaugh is one of the buyers.

Limbaugh is really, really disliked by an overwhelming majority of African Americans. I think a walkout or boycott is possible, how possible, I don't know.

That said, I would be shocked if there were not a fair number of other NFL owners who are ideologically close to Limbaugh, but are just more low key.

CrashClint · #13 10-14-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Limbaugh is really, really disliked by an overwhelming majority of African Americans. I think a walkout or boycott is possible, how possible, I don't know.

That said, I would be shocked if there were not a fair number of other NFL owners who are ideologically close to Limbaugh, but are just more low key.

Honestly, I don't like the guy at all and never have. At the same time I don't like Al Sharpton, but if big Al is were going to buy a team and pay me $1 million a year to play ball I can put up with his constant stirring of the racial pot.

**Eric Perry** · #14 10-14-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

He doesn't strike me as the sporting type.

I think he'd get off more on the aspect of "owning". You fill in the blanks, as I ain't touchin' it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

And the whole player boycott thing is a complete array of B.S.! There is not one player out there who is going to forgo their massive paycheck just because Limbaugh is one of the buyers.

Agreed.

KPAX · #15 10-14-2009, 09:18 AM

I know how possible.
It's as possible as a snowball in H-E-doubletoothpicks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Limbaugh is really, really disliked by an overwhelming majority of African Americans. I think a walkout or boycott is possible, how possible, I don't know.

Dr. Cheese · #16 10-14-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPAX

I know how possible.
It's as possible as a snowball in H-E-doubletoothpicks.

If it happens, we will see what happens. I surely cannot read the future.

aborgman · #17 10-14-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

The flipside is that the NFL does not have to let Rush into their club. Concern about their image or possible labor trouble are legitimate concerns. What do you guys think?

I think image is a realistic concern.

I WISH I thought labor trouble might be a concern, but I honestly expect one the money started flowing players would suddenly find they could ignore Rush's idiocy and just (as Sheed used to say) be happy they CTC (cut the check).

For all the players talk - I think 99.9% of it would be just hot air once they got an attractive contract offer.

burk48237 · #18 10-14-2009, 10:26 AM

I think that it is no more wrong then Ted Turner owning a news network.

The other factor to consider is that Rush is not buying the team, he's buying part of the team. He is applying to be a minority investor in the team. It's a little different then him being the face of ownership like a Marge Schott or a Mark Cuban. He's always loved the NFL and talks about the league quite a bit on his show. As far as sports, one of his first jobs was being a publicity representative for the KC Royals. He's from MO and he's passionate about winning, I would think those are good qualities to have in a part owner.

While Rush is not popular among African Americans, neither are the Smothers brothers, I don't see how that disqualifies you from investing in something. He regularly has black guests, including a couple of ex NFL'ers, his assistant on the show is an African American, and his main guest host is an African American.

I do find it ironic that as soon as this came up a bunch of non-sourced racist quotes have appeared in the news media (taken from wiki). Rush has denied the quotes and threatened legal action, no one has produced recordings our transcripts of these quotes despite the fact that their are at least two full time groups who do nothing but transcribe and record his shows for the opposition. If this kind of character assassination is all his opponents have then they should shut up. Libel is not freedom of speech.

You do have to wonder about a league that has a convicted murderer (negligent homicide), several who have been convicted of assault and a dog killer playing would bar someone from participating because they don't like their political views.

**Eric Perry** · #19 10-14-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burk48237

I think that it is no more wrong then Ted Turner owning a news network.

I'm resisting the (very strong) urge to comment on this.

Mark Latimour · #20 10-14-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

I'm resisting the (very strong) urge to comment on this.

Well, you kinda failed in resisting that urge didn't you?