published: Friday, October 23, 2009

Should we dare to rush to judgement about Rush?

Don Hunsberger

Staff writer

Better than anyone else possibly could have, Rush Limbaugh explained recently why the NFL wants nothing to do with him -- in an ownership role or in any other capacity. In a 15-minute screed that opened a recent broadcast, Limbaugh blamed the Obama administration, Democrats specifically and the media generally of "misreporting, lying, repeating the lies ... repeating made-up quotes, (expressing) blind hatred.

"Obama's America is on full display," said the conservative talk-show host, who explained to his listeners that a left-wing political agenda demanded his expulsion from an investment group seeking to purchase the St. Louis Rams. Immediately after the diatribe had run its course, Rush's beloved "dittoheads" began calling in to support their man.

"There's just no way the government will permit this (drive for ownership)," said one. "It's just another part of a concerted effort to shut you up," offered another.

But neither host nor callers chose to explain why the government of the United States cared how Limbaugh spent his money.

What happened?

The furor began when Limbaugh, who supporters and commentators often refer to as the head of the Republican Party, was rebuffed in his bid to purchase a minority interest in the Rams -- currently up for sale at the bargain-basement price of $929 million. Limbaugh was part of an investment group headed by Dave Checketts, a former president of the New York Knicks and a founder of Sports Capital Partners Worldwide. When Limbaugh's inclusion in the group was made public, a potential brush fire turned into a conflagration of epic proportions.

Players, fans, coaches, league officials and even some NFL owners began listing their complaints. Rush was a racist; Rush was a political hack; Rush didn't deserve to be part of the NFL.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came out publicly against permitting Limbaugh to own any portion of a league franchise. NFL players from across the political spectrum said they'd refuse to play for any team in which Limbaugh had an ownership position.

Almost immediately, Checketts backed down, claiming that Limbaugh's presence had become a distraction, and that other investors would be found to take his place.

Those who'd opposed Limbaugh applauded.

Actions, they said, have consequences, and Limbaugh's hate-filled diatribes had made him an inappropriate choice to take a leadership position in the NFL -- a league that historically has protected its All-American image against controversy of any sort.

Limbaugh, of course, thrives on exactly that which most annoys his prospective partners. He is a hero to political conservatives and the incarnation of evil to liberals.

While conservatives saw his expulsion as "unfair" and "uncalled-for," liberals turned on the heat, resurrecting vintage Limbaugh actions and commentaries.

Although an active opponent of governments he viewed as "soft on drugs," Limbaugh was arrested in 2006 in Palm Beach County and charged with "doctor shopping," in an effort to obtain multiple prescriptions for the powerful painkiller Oxycontin. According to records from the time, his housekeeper's name appeared on some of the prescriptions for multiple drugs. To resolve the case, Limbaugh paid approximately $30,000 in fines and court costs. But a scandal that might have ruined the careers of lesser figures served only to reinforce right-wing America's love affair with their political guru.

In 2003, Limbaugh was recruited by ESPN as an analyst on the network's "Countdown to Kickoff' television show. Within weeks, he resigned under fire after suggesting that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed:

"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL," Limbaugh said at the time. "The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well."

In 2007, Limbaugh tossed another grenade at his own efforts to infiltrate the sporting establishment.

"The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it."

He certainly did.

And yet, the radio host and his supporters claim not to understand why the Rev. Al Sharpton, for example, along with many of the black players in the NFL, have joined in the chorus for Limbaugh's exclusion. In an open letter to Goodell, Sharpton said Limbaugh has been divisive and "anti-NFL" in many of his public comments.

Most of America seems to agree.

Currently working on a $400 million contract, Limbaugh can well afford to buy a football team -- or just about anything else.

But it's good to know that there are still some things that Rush's money can't buy.

Don Hunsberger is a sports columnist for the Daily Commercial. He may be reached at donhunsberger@dailycommercial.com.