When sports and politics collide, it’s generally never a good thing.
Take the spat between poverty pimp Al Sharpton and right-wing blowhard Rush Limbaugh over the latter’s bid to own a managing stake in the St. Louis Rams – which is currently one of the worst teams in the National Football League.
“Rush Limbaugh has been divisive and anti-NFL on several occasions with comments about NFL Players including Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb,” Sharpton wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a letter obtained by TMZ.com.
Limbaugh, who was an NFL analyst briefly during the 2003 season, stepped down from that role after claiming that McNabb received preferential treatment from the media because he is black.
Sharpton also referenced comments that Limbaugh made about the Baltimore Ravens, a team he referred to as “the Crips and the Bloods.”
The head of the NFL Players’ Union, DeMaurice Smith, is also opposed to Limbaugh having any role in the league.
“Sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends,” Smith wrote in an e-mail to Goodell last week. “Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred.”
Hyperbole aside, here’s our question – why are two black men who are always on the front lines fighting for reinstatement of controversial black athletes trying to block a controversial white man from being involved in the league?
Frankly, if the NFL is going to give Michael Vick a second chance (and thugs like “Pac Man” Jones numerous second chances), then it should be willing to give a second chance to jerks like Limbaugh.
We supported Vick being reinstated to the league, and we support Limbaugh buying a managing share of the Rams if that’s what he wants to do with his money.
It’s not like anybody’s going to turn the Rams around, anyway. At least not anytime soon.
From 1999-2004, St. Louis was among the NFL’s elite franchises, posting a 64-32 record and making the playoffs five out of six seasons. They also reached the Super Bowl twice, winning Super Bowl XXXIV in memorable fashion over the Tennessee Titans.
Over the last four-plus seasons, though, the Rams have fallen off a cliff. They’ve posted a 19-50 record, and have failed to make the playoffs.
By Crooner October 12, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Forget the US Senate. This is the most exclusive club in the world. And Reverend Al and DeMaurice are going to have zero influence on their decision whether or not to allow Limbaugh entry into it.
By old bike dude October 12, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Why don’t Al and Rush put their heads together and make an ass out themselves. A pimping drug addicted ass at that.
By CNSYD October 12, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Money talks and bullshit walks. Rush has money and Al is bullshit.
By DeMaurice Smith is an Obama hack October 12, 2009 at 5:26 pm
DeMaurice Smith was on the Obama transition team as an advisor on DoJ appointments.
By scooter October 13, 2009 at 9:38 am
Don’t care for Al, but Rush makes me sick! He is the worst person I can think of. I hope he fails at this plan, and as far as I am concerned, anything else.
By lando October 13, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Maybe these race-hustlers should focus on issues that really affect the
“community” like drugs, violent crime, and AWOL dads.
By Wounded Women Warriors October 13, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Rush would be good for football. The guy is very knowledgeable and has the money to buy the team. So let him do it!
By RLOLOL October 14, 2009 at 9:27 am
HAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHH U SUC
By CNSYD October 14, 2009 at 10:36 am
Maybe Al can get Tawana Brawley to be a spokesperson on this deal.
By edwin sanchez October 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm
No one is really a fan of Rush especially in one of the most integrated American pastimes.