Wtf is limbaugh going on about?

[Saintsfan]

 I hadn't heard much about Rush Limbaugh for a while over here in Limeyland. But I see he hasn't changed his ways!

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PHI/6687777

I guess its one of those things that people think but only a few people would have the guts/stupidity (depending on your poiint of view) to say!

Personally I think he has gone a bit far here! People don't talk up Kordell Stewart or Tony Banks for instance! In fact I think if I were ESPN I would get rid of Limbaugh immediately!

[CrookedThumb]

In fact I think if I were ESPN I would get rid of Limbaugh immediately!

Too late for that, he resigned.

[Mac the Knife]

I personally don't think what Limbaugh said was racist by any reasonable interpretation.  It was, however, very much in error - something that is a cardinal sin when reporting American football in today's society.

Saying someone, anyone, isn't as good as they're being purported isn't a racist statement.  Unrelated case in point - Reese Witherspoon isn't as good an actress as she's reported in (and promoted by, in large measure) the media.  If my opinion were stated by an African-American, would it be racist?

I don't like Limbaugh personally.  His opinions in the political arena are far too tunnel-visioned for my taste.  But I seriously doubt painting him with a brush of racism is correct.

[Saintsfan]

I think at Limbaugh at least implied that the media talked McNabb up because he was black, which is IMO racist! And damn him for resigning I was hoping he would get sacked, mind you he would probably complain ESPN was part of some liberal media conspiracy if they did that!

[NJTank]

This is the end of the 1st Amendment in America. I guess white people can not comment on issues of race unless its in lockstep with the Jesse Jackson's of the world. The Rush comments come just days after Harold Reynolds on ESPN complained aout the Mets giving Bob Murphy a hjersey with #42 on it for 42 years with the club. The jersey was not going anywhere in the stadium it was going to Murph's house, but Reynolds called it racism and slapping Jackie Robinson in the face, and the many in the media marched in lockstep with him.

There is clearly a double standard here, and yes Rush was correct. There is almost an extra push for black QBs and Coaches. We are reminded all the time they are black. Is Donovan McNabb overrated? I would not go that far, but he has not improved since 2000, which at least has to be a little disappointing.

This is just the contiuniung of disturbing trend where questionable comments by white guys like Jimmy the Greek lead to instant firings, while similar comments by black guys are ok.

And if you dont think Rush's comments are true about a slant in the media to racial issues look at the USA Today, a former writer last year claimed that they spiked stories that put minorities in a negative image, and had an editorial possition to support all issues supported by minorities.

Another editor said the way things are if God called a newspaper and said the world will end tommorow the Headline would read. "World Ending Today, Minorities and Children to be effected the most."

This is not right we need to be equal, and when you take one side over the other no matter what side it is you are no better then the states who had the Jim Crow laws. I understand equaillty it should be equal, but the way things are heading we are heading for a Jim Crow in reverse, with policies like Afirimative Action, and the proposed Slave Reperations.

We need to take a real hard look at oursleves, and realise taht things are not like they were in 1954. There is racism, but with all the laws it can no longer be wide spread, since there are many leagl rescources to prevent it. WHich is good, but if we start to go overboard then its just transfering the discrimination form one side to another, which is the recipe for disaster.

[random]

amen! that may be the smartest post i've ever read on this board.

i personally love Rush, but even if i didnt, what he said was relativly right. the media wants black QBs to do well. it pisses me off that anyone can call anyone a racist in this country and no one is afraid to challange it.

[recent accusations of racism in sports]

-according to the NFL Matt Millen is a racist for hiring Marriuci before he interviewed a minority.

-according to Barry Bonds, america is racist for not caring when he breaks Mark McGwire's HR record

-according to Jose Canseco the media is racist for branding Sosa a cheater when sosa cheated.

-according to Terell Owens the whole world is racist for not approving of his idiotic showboating.

i mean, c'mon people. matt millen hired mariucci cause he was the best man for the job. no one cared about bonds because the record was just broken 2 years earlier. plus its a well known fact that bonds was a douche bag. sosa cheated and people give jeremy shockey the same crap they give TO for his antics.

it is so true in this day that the cry of racism has become the last refuge of a scoundral.

oh, and where are my buddies at the ALCU defending Rush's freedom of speech?

[NJTank]

Yeah the race card is played way too much ever since the O.J. trial and many affraid of being called racist don't call people on it.

When people like Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, and T.O. call racism it really tarnishes the real people who fought racism in sports like Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson.

As for teh ACLU they are a total joke they have a political agenda to take this country far to the left, they are now defending NAMBLA, it dont get lower then that. Its amazing how anyone can take them seriously they seem to want to ban all religon originzation and support groups like NAMBLA who represent the worst in this country.

[GMac]

Being Canadian I am thankful I don't have to listen to rush Limbaugh on that radio or tv that much... but that being said I really think what he said wasn't that bad... If it was that racist why Irvin come flying across the studio... but I dunno... but you have to agree McNabb's stock has plummeted in the past few years, would I say he was teh most over-rated QB... nope... till this season it was Peyton Manning... now Tim Couch...lol

[GMac]

NAMBLA... National Association of Marlon Brando Look-Alikes??? lol... i know i know bad joke

[Saintsfan]

Millen was accused of 'racism', I'm not sure it was ever put in those terms, not because he hired Mariucci, (certainly a very fine coach) but because contrary to NFL regulations he failed to consider a minority candidate.

And I wouldn't say personally that McNabb gets any different coverage because he is black. I am not saying all Americans are racist, but I certainly believe when someone makes the kind of loose talk Limbaugh indulged himself in he should be called on it!

Some points to consider:

* 1 winning starting QB in the Superbowl has been black, I don't suppose that stat holds for any other position,. except possibly kicker and punter.

* In a sport were most US pros in the game are black, there are currently 11 black head coaches (1/3 of the league roughly, when maybe 9/10 of the players are black)

* The Negro Baseball leagues were set up, not because of any laws of the land, but because the owners themselves chose not to hire black players, despite there undeniable talent

I point these things out not to say how racist US sport is, but to show how much further there is to go!

As for freedom of speech, I am not gonna defend anyones right to speak in a racist or defamatory manner!

[yh]

Good afternoon, Mr. Cynical here reporting for duty.

Folks, my gut instinct tells me that this entire saga was predestined if not out and out planned.  Limbaugh's going to get a boost in publicity by being able to go on his show and talk about how the liberal media squeezed him out.  Let's remember we're now fully within the 2004 election cycle and therefore the right time for Limbaugh to re-generate some national exposure and thus probably boost his audience and maybe pick up some new Republicans along the way.  Therefore Rush gets a benefit from this debacle.

ESPN has gotten additional national exposure for its pregame show and since the popular perception is that they forced Rush to resign, they will score some points for "doing the right thing."  These things just don't happen on accident.  ESPN knew exactly what the risks were going to be for bringing on a guy like Rush Limbaugh and they also had to be prepared to face a situation like this and be prepared to spin it to their benefit, which I have no doubt they will.

Sorry to be so callous, but I think ESPN and Limbaugh knew that something along this nature was bound to happen and both sides figured that they'd be able to derive a benefit from it, which most likely they will.  Is it or is it not racism?  Frankly I don't have a strong opinion either way because I think it's an artifice designed to do nothing more than generate publicity for a guy whose been out of the widespread media spotlight for a few years and a flagging cable show that's trying to compete with more aggressively marketed network coverage together with its other cable foes.

Business can be downright ugly and cruel at times.

[jkrdevil]

I don't think it, racist, but the truth like Tank said. Mcnabb is over rated. He was out about 4 games last year and the team did just as well. The media was over-rating him because he was black. Don't get me wrong but I think Mcnabb is a good qb but if he was white he would not get the attentioned. They media is jumping off the Mcnabb bandwagon now and going to a guy who deserves it Steve Mcnair.

Though while I don't think he should have been forced to resign I do think it's good that he did. What was he doing on a football show anyway.

And don't bring up the Negro leagues as an example of racism in sports. They ended over 50 years ago. The world has changed.And Millen tried to interview minorities, but they turned him down because they knew he wanted Marriuchi. (they did the right thing).

And to I agree, with tank on the race card being played to much. Now people get in trouble for describing someone as black, if there telling someone what someone else looks like. That's over the edge.

[Notch Novelty]

Miniorites? Folks that's going to be the caucasian race pretty soon.

Rush, didn't saying anything that wasn't true. I think people interepted different way but did anyone see Jackson's face when he was telling him this? I was dieing.......

[Discrim]

And to I agree, with tank on the race card being played to much. Now people get in trouble for describing someone as black, if there telling someone what someone else looks like. That's over the edge.

i'm black, ain't ever had a problem with someone describing me as black.  if someone comes up to me in, let's say, a line at mcdonald's or the school cafeteria, starts plop with me and decides i'm cool with being called , then we got problems(actually happened a few years ago)

[IronChefShark]

rush is full of it. because if he were right, then the media has been overhyping jeff garcia because they want to push a mexican quarterback....

of course, as much as he claims he is, we all know jeff garcia is about as mexican as jerry springer... ???

[NJTank]

Millen was accused of 'racism', I'm not sure it was ever put in those terms, not because he hired Mariucci, (certainly a very fine coach) but because contrary to NFL regulations he failed to consider a minority candidate.

Some points to consider:

* 1 winning starting QB in the Superbowl has been black, I don't suppose that stat holds for any other position,. except possibly kicker and punter.

* In a sport were most US pros in the game are black, there are currently 11 black head coaches (1/3 of the league roughly, when maybe 9/10 of the players are black)

I point these things out not to say how racist US sport is, but to show how much further there is to go!

As for freedom of speech, I am not gonna defend anyones right to speak in a racist or defamatory manner!

Matt Millen tried to interviw black candiates no one wanted to interview becuase they knew he wnat Mariucci. This is what makes the policy a joke. Sure teams shoudl consider black coaches but if you have somebody in mind at the top it shoudl not warrent a fine. Marriucci was desteined to go to Detroit foir a while he is frrreinds with Millen and when Millen became Lions GM there were rumors he would bye out of 49ers contract.

1 starting QB in the SUper Bowl, heres a porblem I have why are we even keeping count. Additionally in the past few years atleast 1 black QB has lost a Championship Game so to say that 1 has starsted the SUper Bowl and won is incredibly dumb. Are we supposed to have affirmative action and put them in automatically, and let them win? Weatehr a QB is white or black it dont matter teh onlything taht matters is what happens on the field and with the number of black QBs now its only a matter of time before one wins again.

To me it shoudl not be an issue you win with the best players and that's it no matter what skin color they may have. Part of the problem with the balck QB is historically they are run first pass second and QBs who are primarily scramblers have not been too succesful until recently.

However, QBs like McNair and McNabb, Culpepper and Vick all have good throwing arms, which is why they are more succesful it has nothing to do with the fact they are black.  

This day in age I dont think any team will not sign the best players for racial reasons the desire and need to win is simply to strong.

I also hate the been counters on coaches to become a coach you must first be an assistant and also have firends in high places, of course there is a bit of an old boys network here but again race is not a factor.

I liek how you seem to judge what racist speak is like you are the arbitor of speech. Its one thing to disagree with Rush's statements but to say that he shoudl not be allowed to say it is a bad precident.

If he dont share your views on race he is a racist I guess and must be censored, right?

This is what is leading to allot of problems in this country and has apotential to desroy us all, by wattering down all freedoms for the constution starting with the First Amendment their is a reason it was made the first amendment, because if you don't have free speach you dont have freedom.

[umlegend]

Excellent essay!

The double standard in this country is unbelievable.

A black guy once said the media was overhyping a white NBA player. "Dirk Nowitzki is supposed to be Larry Bird."John Saunders,ESPN's The Sports Reporters.

Also, last season, there was a comment by a black player about a white player being talked up in the NBA because he was the white hope. I don't remember who it was.

Is Rush saying blacks are overhyped, any different than someone saying the media underhypes them because they're black? No. Here's a black ESPN columnist saying that very thing.page2

In boxing, they have been saying for years that the boxing world is waiting for the next white heavyweight champ. Why isn't that called out?

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are called champions of race, and they are the biggest racist crooks on the planet! Jesse Jackson conned Toyota to give his foundation millions of dollars and to pull an ad campaign becase it was racist. The campaign consisted of postcards with a closeup of a guy's smile. One of his teeth had been plated with gold in the shape of the vehicle they were advertising. The guy (who obviously saw no problem with it) was not just a model, he was a BLACK model. So, it was called racism.

Anone who thinks Rush was being racist is just ignorant. He was not downing McNabb, he was downing his hype. What is the difference between him saying McNabb is overhyped because he is black and when blacks say they are taken advantage of, underapreciated, and treated badly because they're black?

Watch, the next time a black QB wins the Super Bowl, the commentators and the rest of the media will throw it in our faces that he is the 2nd black QB to win one. as if that makes a difference. But, what are we hearing now? We are hearing, "Why does his color even enter the discussion?" It's funny to hear the same media that touts articles about stuff like black kids not using the internet as much as white kids now say color shouldn't enter our discussions.

To hear black men and women say that Rush was playing the race card just seems so ironic to me!

[umlegend]

Wow, well we still have black being mentioned about a QB in the very article talking about the Rush issue on ESPN.com. They are talking to different players about it and before talking to Steve McNair, they describe him with this line:

"In 2000 Tennessee's Steve McNair became the second black quarterback to start a Super Bowl."

Here's the link:

ESPN Rush article

Who's bringing up race? The MEDIA!

[Saintsfan]

Wow how I love to stir a hornets nest and then watch the sparks fly! What slightly concerns me is that more people aren't jumping on Limbaugh's back! Ok I hear what he says from a british point of view, but here is a guy who made a career out of accusing Bill Clinton of being a socialist (amongst other things) Clinton may be many things, but he ain't no socialist! Limbaugh is an idiot and should be called out as such as often as possible!

On the NBA, I would have thought 9 out of 10 players from US in the NBA are black, I haven't checked my stats but as a guess I would be comfortable with that! I guess that is more of a cultural thing than anything, basketball is seen perhaps more as a sport for black guys, whereas for instance hockey is a sport for white guys. Is that racist, I dunno!

And on the whole cebsorship thing, I have no problem at all saying that people should not have the right to say absolutely whatever they choose to. Should someone have the right to claim the Holocaust didn't happen, absolutely not (as an example). Its my view that people should not have the right to  use deliberately inflammatory language, and in my view that is what Limbaugh did!

[Mac the Knife]

What slightly concerns me is that more people aren't jumping on Limbaugh's back! Ok I hear what he says from a british point of view, but here is a guy who made a career out of accusing Bill Clinton of being a socialist (amongst other things) Clinton may be many things, but he ain't no socialist! Limbaugh is an idiot and should be called out as such as often as possible!

No one's jumping on Limbaugh's back for a few reasons...

(1)  In the case of the ESPN story, he's right in his statement that his comments are not racist in nature, and even with  considerable debate about it in the national media (the group he really was commenting on), the general public tends to agree with him.

(2)  Intelligent Americans realize that Limbaugh is, first and foremost, an entertainer.  Let's face it - people listen to his program whether they like him or hate him, think he's brilliant or an idiot.  He doesn't give a damn about whether you love him or hate him - as long as you tune in.  That's what a commercial entertainer does - compels his audience to act, be it plunk down $8.50 for a movie ticket, turn on their radio to a particular station, or buy a ticket at a stadium.

(3)  There's a second story floating around about Limbaugh and illegal narcotics which is far more dangerous to him in the long run - and one which I suspect will in fact hurt him severely.  Though the accounts of it might be exaggerated, Limbaugh himself stated that when he finally does address this issue, "you might hear more than you want to about me."  My suspicion is that people are sitting tight until more comes to light on this.