Rush & the Rams
Allow me to chime in on the whole Rush Limbaugh/Rams controversy. I know there are a lot of people who think Rush was booted from a joint bid to purchase the St. Louis Rams because he’s a conservative radio talk show host.
Sorry folks, but you’re not looking at the whole picture.
Rush was booted because he became was more trouble than he was worth.
The NFL is a business. The goal of business is to make money and keep the hassle down to a bear minimum. Now before we go down the road of the NFL has dog beaters and wife fighters, think about this. As long as those players who behave badly keep making the teams money, the owners don’t care.
The problem with someone like Rush is that he has a very popular 3-hour a day radio program where he makes quite a good living saying controversial things. Now imagine, if you will, Rush saying something on his radio show and his players being peppered with questions by the media about it on game day? Or the other NFL owners being compelled to respond to everything he says? Who really needs that hassle, honestly?
Were some people against Rush because he was conservative or they perceived him as racist? Of course. But at the end of the day this was a business decision.
And when you are bad for business, you need to go.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Them that have the gold rule!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Tell me again who is forcing people to listen to Rush? On the other hand who is forcing citizens who don't care about to sports to subsidize the NFL?
October 15th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Of course it was a business decision. It was a business decision that was made due to lies, misquotes, and downright slander perpetuated by a liberal media that hates Limbaugh. And those lies were spread around because Limbaugh is a conservative. So, business decision or not, it all comes down to the information on which that decision was made.
Now, Councilor, does Rush have a case?
October 15th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Limbaugh's advertisers disagree.
Should we poll the CEO's & fellow shareholders in Limbaugh's other investments, or fellow club members of private clubs / affiliations, current or prospective, to inquire about his impact on their business?
Why is it, the ownership structure of Green Bay is considered the “premiere” arrangement by many fans, if market demand or consumer driven “business” is the concern?
Many of us are Colts fans, but, as a co-owner, Limbaugh might have surprised people with the forgotten idea, that a privately owned enterprise should cover its own expenses (vs. the public dole).
October 15th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
On Beck's show this morning he said they unleashed the full Fox News research team to find the alleged racist comments. Beck said the source came from one book and that book claimed no source, no date, no nothing to back up the racist comment. In other words it appears that the racist comment attributed to Rush is completely fabricated.
I think they gave the liberal media peddling this the alleged lie one day to cite the source and provide proof.
The liberal media is no better than the hypocritical conservative slime that once went after Larry Flynt. Only Flynt's free speech attackers didn't make anything up about Flynt to try to get him.
I seem to remember that the scoundrel Larry Flynt won in the end.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
It's worth remembering that the first team owner to speak out against the prospect of Limbaugh becoming a team owner was the Indianapolis Colts' Jim Irsay — a generous donor to the Republican National Committee and Bush/Cheney. He's not exactly a liberal activist committed to political correctness and conservative dream killing.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Wilson? How much money did Ir$ay give to Bart?
October 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Dunno. I bet he's giving the same to Ballard these days!
October 15th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
“The liberal media is no better than the hypocritical conservative slime that once went after Larry Flynt. Only Flynt's free speech attackers didn't make anything up about Flynt to try to get him. “
-melyssa
….so there's no difference between using actual statements a person makes and making them up? Where is the logic in that?
This isn't a free speech issue, Melyssa. Rush isn't defended his right to say as he wishes. He is confronting those who are slandering him with quotes falsely attributed to him.
And Falwell lost because the comic in Hustler was considered to be parody and not to be taken as truthful by a reasonable person.
October 15th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I wouldn't trust wilson too much by saying Irsay is a big donor to Republicans. He's a donor to whoever he thinks will be in power.
http://www.newsmeat.com/sports_political_donati...
Carson, Lugar, Hill, Bayh, various state committees of both parties, Souder, have all been supported by Irsay.
He's only given to John Edwards, the RNC (way back in 2000), and W's primary and general election campaigns, as far as national campaigns go.
There was some Ohio congressperson he gave money to too, but the name escapes me at the moment.
October 15th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Oprah has a huge following and a very popular show too. Big deal. Does what she has to say differ much more than Rush? If anything this proves that NOT all in the middle agree with Rush or Fixed News and their opinionated coverage masked as “the news.”
October 15th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
You certainly earned your name with that post.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
“As long as those players who behave badly keep making the teams money, the owners don’t care.”
If the players made the teams money, no tax dollars would be need to build billion dollar stadiums for such teams. It is more like 'as long as taxpayers are happy and keep supporting the NFL, the owners don't care.' Given how divided the country seems to be right now, I am sure a lot of people would have been bringing up Limbaugh and such when asked to support another stadium project. This would be especially true in St. Louis. Imagine Rush Limbaugh, so called free market supporter, asking for taxpayer money for a private enterprise. If that would have happened, the liberal commentators would have went nuts.
So I agree that the NFL didn't want the baggage that would come with Rush, but I disagree about the players making the teams money. The NFL wouldn't be no where near as big as they are right now if it were not for taxpayers subsidizing certain teams.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Crocodile tears. Rush may have been misquoted and some lies perpetrated against him… but, my reaction to Rush's bid (even before the brouhaha erupted) was that is was doomed. Rush is a fire-brand and everyone who listens to him knows that. Why on earth would the NFL want more problems? They have enough problems with the gargantuan egos in the league and the felons they allow to continue to play. Sorry Rush, you are not cut out to be a NFL owner… keep to your day job.
October 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Look folks, there ARE no “alleged” racist comments. Rush made them.
Admittedly, he says a LOT of outrageous thing, and some pretty smart things. That's true of anyone who talks for 2-3 hours daily. Now, I have listened to Rush for almost two decades, and I enjoy him, and I don't think he's blatantly racist, but he has clearly made racist comments. To-wit:
“Obama is 'more African in his roots than he is American and is behaving like an African colonial despot.”
“[I]n Obama's America, the white kids now get beat up with the black kids cheering.” (That is NOT what happened)
And, the granddaddy of racist remarks:
“Look it, 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.”
What other possible conclusion can you reach about the gang comment? Seriously–I'd like to know.
And the Webster's definition of racist: “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement.”
By that definition, the gang comments alone are racist.
I think Rush has the right to say whatever he wants on his radio show. I recognize it's popular. I sometimes listen, too.
But let's stop this fable that (some of) Rush's comments not being racist, OK? He's done it over and over. In the grand scheme of his overall show, it's a small percentage of the time. But he said these things, on-air. Any reasonable evaluation of these comments should prove conclusive.
I'm also aware that he's a pretty good charitable donor, often quietly, ala Letterman.
And the Fox News comment was funny.
The St. Louis NFL ownership grup made a business decision. Abdul's right. They don't need any more Jerry Jones distractions. Rush would've made the Vick and Jones flamboyance look like kidnergarten. He has a daily mouthpiece that reaches 20 million and he has demonstrated, time and time again, that he'll resort to outrageous comments to draw a crowd, or keep the crowd.
The NFL folks don't like that. And they're entitled to move on. A sI stated earlier, what happened here was a classic triumph of something Rush purporpts to embrace: the free market made a choice. Not a single government bureaucrat entered into this decision. Just a bunch of millionaire club owners and the St. Louis ownership group.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
There are many “alleged” comments, TA. Rush didn't say anything about slavery or James Earl Ray. You obviously aren't paying attention to what's actually being said ot there. You probably don't even care that he didn't say them. With people like you, the means justify the ends. You could be the spam on a Sharpton/Jackson sandwich.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
….and it is President ACORN who made his pigment an issue. He's a race pimp no better than Revs. Sharpton and Jackson. Most thinking Americans realize that a candidate with his qualifications would have never even been nominated if he was not of African descent. The 'subtle bigotry of lowered expectations' is the reason Barry is president.
Most thoughtful Americans want an American president that is proud of his country and makes his country proud, regardless of his color. It is the simple-minded like yourself who incessantly make race an issue. And, once again, none of the statements you googled make the man a racist. It is actually the folks like you who give a voice to the racists Sharpton and Jackson who are the problem. You continue to sell the black community down the river by perpetuated the victim mentality that's so prevalent.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
perpetuating
October 15th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
“And the Webster's definition of racist: “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement.”
Discard that definition. There are objective differences among the various human races. Period. End of discussion is science on those differences. For instance, the average person in China has a higher IQ than the average American. Those few on this forum who have actually read Murray's latest tome know what a difference a five point rise in a nation's IQ would be worth. Conversely, they can imagine what a five point decline would mean. Webster has it wrong all the way.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I'd like to hear a defensive end in a deep discussion about whatever Rush may have said the week before. That would be funny as hell.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
“Trash talk” that is outrageous, and by it's nature inflammatory, is almost daily fare in the NFL already.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:20 am
“”Look it, 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.”"
How is this a “racist” comment though? What race started the Bloods and Crips? Do the Bloods and Crips have fancy grills, tats, etc.? Face it, the black thug/gangsta lifestyle is emulated by many non-thug/gangsta types. If you have a bunch of black guys that dress like Bloods and Crips, talk like Bloods and Crips, then what is so racist about making the statement? If Bloods and Crips are known to carry around guns all the time, and NFL players seem to emulate that as well…again, another match.
To me, racism means hatred. One could say that the comment was mean, as obviously not all black NFL players try to mimic the gangsta lifestyle, but enough do to make the comment somewhat relative. Just because a comment is mean or not all inclusive to the targeted group doesn't automatically make it a racist statement.
I was watching the Colts game on TV. At least 75% of the players on the field were black. The entire defense of the other team was black males. Using that, one could “joke” that “I thought we were at a football game, not some southern plantation.” The reason that “joke” makes sense is because back in the day, southern plantation field were filled with black people. However, one could also say “I thought we were at a football game, not some sausage fest.” Would saying the latter be considered sexist?
October 16th, 2009 at 8:45 am
No one has a cornered market on the discussion of race, no one. You may disagree with Limbaugh & his controversial statements, but that doesn't make him a racist. If you've listened to him you know he's an advocate for the liberty of ALL Americans.
Criticism of the President as an african Colonial despot is shared by others, including a first generation, west African writer, a woman named L.E. Ikenga. Read her assessment of colonial despots & the President:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/06/obama_the_afric...
October 16th, 2009 at 9:27 am
” As long as those players who behave badly keep making the teams money, the owners don’t care.” A wrong statement, I think, as it implies no morality exists in business or businessmen. Morality vis a vis an unprincipled government is one thing but morality is a necessary quality with customers. The folks who wanted to keep the Rams in St. Louis probably looked for people with deep pockets who would share that goal. Rush has roots in that area, and deep pockets. The point made earlier that the liars in the media didn't bother to check their facts is, of course, why the media has fallen upon hard times. No one should believe media liars.
October 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I didn't say Rush was racist. I listen to him and enjoy him. I said some of his comments were racist. They are, they were, and he knows it.
And I hadn't thought about the comment John howard made, that trash talking is the way of pro sports these days. I agree completely.
It sets a horrible example, and it spills over into schoolyard arguments every day.
But those athletes don't have the following: a radio show, broadcast over FCC-controlled airwaves, for which there are a modicum of standards and expectations. not to mention legal requirements, slack tho they are.
And Rico, each of the comments I posted is a comment Rush actually made.
October 16th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/sright/2009/1... Like these statements, Rico, made by minority owners….
October 16th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Some people online here doubtlessly still celebrate on June 3rd (Jefferson Davis Birthday)
October 16th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
To me, a racist comment is one made because the person stating the comment is a racist…that is they _hate_ someone else because of their race. So either Limbaugh is a racist who makes racist comments or he is a non-racist comedian. Racism is about hate. There is either hate in his, and other comedians, comments or there isn't. Discussing stereotypes isn't racists, unless the person saying it is doing so out of hatred of that race.
October 16th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
.” On Oct. 13, Media Research Center President Brent Bozell demanded that news outlets which had run these quotes to prove that Limbaugh had in fact said them. Limbaugh unequivocally denied saying the racist quotes.” Who are you going to believe, Rico, TA or Rush? Communist Network News sorta apologized for lying thru their darkened teeth. Who else has lied to poor Jim Irsay?
October 16th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Oh the players make the teams money. They make themselves even MORE money. The problem is, they don't leave anything on the table to pay for their playgrounds. It's like you going out and buying a fancy car, fine clothes and expensive cruise vacations, then you don't have the mortgage payment. Only difference it, you don't have taxpayers to pay it for you.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I don't see how discussing race makes one a racist anymore than discussing sex makes one a prostitute.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
That would, of necessity, be limited to just those folks who know what day it falls on.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Those celebrating would be in your party Wilson.
99.999% of republicans wouldn't know when Jeff Davis's BD was even if they live south of the Mason Dixon line. I'll bet a buck that most southern Democrats know.
Do you still put on your white hood and dance around naked at midnight on June 2nd?
Just wondering.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/kyle-drennen/2009/... Here is a liar, NBC, no surprise there. Have we any more local liars who cannot back up their lies?
October 17th, 2009 at 5:58 am
I heard the NFL comment. Was driving down the road and couldn't believe it.
John Doe, you can believe whatever you want, but in fact, people can utter racist comments without being racist. I can utter Republican comments without being Republican, Catholic comments without being Catholic…get the point?
October 17th, 2009 at 9:29 am
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527487... Might as well hear from the horse's mouth in a publication that might just be the last honest journalism in the USA.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Keeping the pity-party going: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/indiv...
October 17th, 2009 at 9:50 am
“Homer Nods
Yesterday we wrote that “controversy-shy NFL owners forced Rush Limbaugh to withdraw from an investment consortium” bidding for the St. Louis Rams. According to Limbaugh's account, delivered on his radio show yesterday, he didn't quit but was fired:
The two race hustlers, the Reverend [Jesse] Jackson and Reverend [Al] Sharpton got involved, and I got a call on Tuesday night from Dave Checketts, “I'm sorry, I have to ask you to withdraw.” And I said, “I thought you had this wired, I thought–” “Well, Rush, obviously I'm sorry, I feel terrible about this but we can't go forward with you in the group.” And I said, “Well, I'm not going to withdraw. If you want me out you go public and fire me,” which he did. He sent me a letter yesterday afternoon right after the program and told me that the announcement would come this morning, and he wanted me to know that it was a very tough personal decision for him to make, he had a lot of respect for me, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah . . “
So, racial pandering is what this is all about? One good thing about the Bush years is that Jesse Jackson all but disappeared from public view.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:59 am
But, this is best. I like the idea of a lawsuit. I wonder how much these liars would pay to settle a suit in London? I'd be willing to chip in to finance such a lawsuit. Probably Rush could make more money with the lawsuit than the ownership! http://www.hughhewitt.com/blog/g/6fa2bc29-b88d-...
October 17th, 2009 at 10:10 am
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/10/the... This is sweet! It looks like,not sure yet, that the initial liar might turn out to be a lawyer? And, a lawyer with very deep pockets….how sad. Wikipedia is easily altered and no serious person would ever use it as a reliable source? Conclusion: journalist's aren't serious people.
October 17th, 2009 at 10:13 am
neither are people who try to make a plural with an apostrophe before the S …
October 17th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I agree that Sharpton and Jackson are sometimes hustlers. I honestly haven't followed their verbal or written preachings about the Rush story, because to me, it's not relevant.
The free marketplace has made a choice. Hallelujah.
Pascal: British Courts are notorious for easily-filed, but rarely-settled civil lawsuits. Especially among celebrities. It's sport to them. And their tbaloids make osme of our supermarket throw-aways look like Pulitzer Prize papers.
October 17th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
That is the most stupid thing you've written here. And that's saying something!
October 17th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
You've made the point that it's okay to slander and libel someone. To you, the ends justify the means. That is not how the free market is supposed to work.
And you agree that Sharpton and Jackson are sometimes hustlers??? What a revelation!
October 17th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Does it make you feel superior to correct the grammar of others on here, dumpter-diver?
October 17th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
“I find him entertaining, but blatantly racist sometimes. And elitist. But that's a large club…”
–Think Again
So, in your little mind, that's not calling the man a racist?
October 17th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Rush a racist? Preposterous. Like rush himself opined, if he were a racist, why would he want anything to do with an organization where 70% of the players are black?
That is, apart from the fact that he'd own them.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Does it make you feel superior to correct the grammar of others on here, dumpter-diver?
October 17th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
“I find him entertaining, but blatantly racist sometimes. And elitist. But that's a large club…”
–Think Again
So, in your little mind, that's not calling the man a racist?
October 18th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Rush a racist? Preposterous. Like rush himself opined, if he were a racist, why would he want anything to do with an organization where 70% of the players are black?
That is, apart from the fact that he'd own them.