NFL in "No Rush" to Sell St. Louis Rams

Fred Richani by Senior Analyst Written on October 14, 2009
Rush_feature

When I heard about Rush Limbaugh's bid to purchase the struggling St. Louis Rams franchise of the NFL, I thought it had the words "bad idea" written all over it. I'm really tired of writers saying he should be able to own a sports franchise—an NFL franchise for that matter.

Well, let me start by saying the following. I don't like Rush Limbaugh and it's not because of his political beliefs.

Actually, I could care less about his political beliefs, as a number of my close friends are conservative to some extent. Political views never get in the way of friendships and business for me. I'm the type of guy that can respect people's views, beliefs, culture, and heritage.

I can't say the same for Rush Limbaugh. Mr. Limbaugh shouldn't own an NFL team. Heck, he shouldn't own any team for that matter. At least not one in the NFL, MLB, NBA, or even NHL. People that say he deserves to own the St. Louis Rams if he has the cash need to realize one important thing.

The NFL is about public relations and their appeal to a national (and in recent cases, global) audience. A loud mouth shock jock, who has arguably offended African Americans and others more often than not is a PR nightmare for the NFL.

Sure, Michael Vick is back in the league despite dog fighting charges. The difference? Vick is a great athlete and spent two years behind bars. Limbaugh profits on being a bigot. Here are a few instances you can find on a variety of news outlets that prove this point, courtesy of a simple GOOGLE search:

Playing the song "Barack The Magic Negro" on his radio show, which states white people have a black candidate they need to vote for due to guilt from slavery.

"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve," Limbaugh said regarding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Compared the NFL to the Crips and Bloods only without weapons.

And my personal "favorite" (note the intensified sarcasm)...Keep in mind this was retracted by a few newspapers. It's too bad people would actually believe he said this anyway (he still may/may not have):

"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," Limbaugh on the subject of slavery.

Forget the political views. Forget the fact the guy has money. Think about it. Look at those things I aforementioned. Tell me with straight face that those comments are NOT offensive to African Americans or any other minorities.

They're offensive to me and I'm not African American, but as a person that is friends with many people of different backgrounds, I find that disrespectful. I'd imagine all 65-percent of the NFL that consists of African Americans would fine those comments disrespectful, racist-filled, and tasteless as well.

Rams fans, do you really want a guy like that running your team?

Like I said before, I don't care if he is a Republican or Democrat. When NFL players such as Justin Tuck start speaking out, you know there's a problem. In a way, it may be a blessing in disguise that Limbaugh attempts to purchase the Rams to some extent.

It's refreshing to hear players go on record and discuss social issues, rather than just rock Jordans and act like they don't have a care in the world. That being said, if you haven't figured it out already, the league is in no rush (pun intended) to have Limbaugh own a team. In fact, I'll go on record and say it won't happen.

Just listen to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on the topic: "We're all held to a high standard here and divisive comments are not what the NFL's all about," said Goodell.  "I would not want to see those kind of comments from people who are in a responsible position in the NFL, no.  Absolutely not."

There you have it. I know it's not against the law to have a lot of money and be a dirt bag. That I understand. Marge Schott was living proof of that. Of course, her bigotry eventually caught up with her.

Last time I checked, playing in the NFL was a privilege, not a birth right. Owning an NFL team is just that—a privilege.

 

Fred "The F-Bomb" Richani is an actor, songwriter, and columnist for BleacherReport.com and 411Mania.com. He has been featured on ProWrestlingTorch.com, 1Wrestling.com, LayUpDrill.com, GOOGLE News, USA Today, and CBSSportsline.com. He is also the host of his own series FRIDAY NIGHT F-Bomb (Youtube.com/FBombAndCo). He currently resides in Freehold, NJ with his family and cat Bella.

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written on October 14, 2009 Opinion

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