Ted, Because it was an opinion that is shared by few in the sports world. To the contrary, McNabb is considered good. By making that statement, Rush suggests he is racist. In a diverse culture, of course, he will be attacked.
First of all, the opinion of McNabb varies depending on who you talk to. Many thought McNabb was indeed overrated, validating one half of Rush's comments.
I have yet to hear someone say that McNabb was overrated. However, if its true, he won't be the first sports figure to be overrated. A-Rod of Bush's Rangers is paid over $25 million per year; many would say he is overrated. No one blames it on the fact that he is Latino and no one blames the media for his getting $25 million. Why McNabb? Why now? Why Rush?
Secondly, Rush claims he never said McNabb was a bad QB. He just says he's overrated, that the defense of his team is to take more credit instead.
Once again, I don't see how a QB can be good if he doesn't have a good defense.
Third, attacks are to be expected when you state an opinion few share, but that should never be considered an integral part of a diverse culture.
Its not that even few share the opinion; there doesn't seem to have been much discussion on the issue at all. Therefore, why not raise the question as a feeler rather than coming out firing both barrels. Rush is not that stupid. This was calculated........another way to invalidate the mainstream press.
And finally, the overreaction to Rush's comments demonstrate how "tolerance" in our culture is actually a conformity movement, that anything considered "intolerant" is to be rejected. Funny thing is, Rush's comment wasn't intolerant of anything.
There would not have been an overreaction had his presentation been done well. Blame it on the messenger......not us.
ted
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Limbaugh Resigns Over Comments
Newspaper Says Commentator Linked to Drug Probe;
Limbaugh Says He Doesn't Know About Investigation
By JASON STRAZIUSO, AP
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 2) -- Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh said Thursday he resigned as an ESPN sports analyst to protect network employees from the uproar over critical comments he made about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Limbaugh stepped down from the sports network's ''Sunday NFL Countdown'' late Wednesday, three days after saying on the show that McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.
''The great people at ESPN did not want to deal with this kind of reaction,'' Limbaugh told the National Association of Broadcasters at its convention in Philadelphia on Thursday. ''The path of least resistance became for me to resign.''
Limbaugh did not directly address media reports that began surfacing Wednesday that said the talk show host was under investigation in Florida for allegedly illegally obtaining and abusing prescription painkillers.
Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates the politically focused ''Rush Limbaugh Show,'' issued a statement from Limbaugh earlier Thursday saying: ''I am unaware of any investigation by any authority involving me. No government representative has contacted me directly or indirectly. If my assistance is required, I will, of course, cooperate fully.''
On Wednesday, McNabb said he didn't mind criticism of his performance, but was upset Limbaugh made his race an issue and said it was too late for an apology.
''It's somewhat shocking to hear that on national TV from him,'' McNabb said. ''It's not something that I can sit here and say won't bother me.''
Chris Berman, who anchors the ESPN show, said he did not believe Limbaugh's tone or intent was malicious.
''As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears,'' Berman said. ''I probably should have looked to soften it.''
Democratic presidential candidates Wesley Clark, Howard Dean and the Rev. Al Sharpton had called for ESPN to fire Limbaugh over the remarks. The NAACP also condemned Limbaugh's remarks, calling them ''bigoted and ignorant.''
Talking about the ESPN comments, Limbaugh said Thursday he had thought about the issue the night before making the comments. He said he was used to scrutiny after 15 years in radio and expects to get attention.
''I figured if I'm going to do this (the ESPN show) I should be who I am,'' he said.
About a half-dozen people protested outside the convention.
Limbaugh has denied the comments he made on the show were racially motivated.
''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,'' Limbaugh said on Sunday's show. ''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. The defense carried this team.''
George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports, accepted Limbaugh's resignation Wednesday. ABC and ESPN are owned by Walt Disney Co.
''We regret the circumstances surrounding this,'' Bodenheimer said. ''We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously.''
Limbaugh is the radio host of the politically focused ''Rush Limbaugh Show,'' syndicated in more than 650 markets. ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle said ratings for ''Sunday NFL Countdown'' were up 10 percent overall since Limbaugh joined the show this year.
The Daily News, without identifying its source, reported Thursday that Limbaugh was being investigated by the Palm Beach County state attorney's office. The newspaper said it had confirmed the allegations, first reported by the National Enquirer. CNN reported Thursday that sources close to the investigation said Limbaugh had turned up as a buyer of powerful painkillers but that he was not the target of the investigation.
Mike Edmondson, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County state attorney's office, told The Associated Press his office could neither confirm nor deny that an investigation was under way.
The Enquirer had interviewed Wilma Cline, who said she became Limbaugh's drug connection after working as his maid, according to the Daily News. She said that Limbaugh had abused OxyContin and other painkillers.
A Miami lawyer for the Clines, Ed Shohat, said Thursday, ''The Clines stand by the story.'' Shohat said neither he nor his clients would comment further.
10-02-03 11:41 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. |
