LOS ANGELES — Rush Limbaugh’s hopes of owning the St. Louis Rams took a serious blow Tuesday when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell questioned some of the racist-themed quotes made in the past by the conservative talk-show host.
“I’ve said many times before we’re all held to a high standard here, and I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about,” Goodell said. “I would not want to see those comments coming from people who are in a responsible position in the NFL, absolutely not.”
On Monday, the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson also criticized Limbaugh’s bid, citing past racist remarks as a reason to block him from the NFL.
Limbaugh and former Madison Square Garden CEO Dave Checketts are part of a group bidding to take over the Rams, but it appears like they’ll have several hurdles to overcome. Prospective owners must gain approval from 24 of the league’s 32 teams, which could be a challenge based on initial reaction to the ownership bid.
“I, myself, couldn’t even consider voting for him,” said Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. “When there are comments that have been made that are inappropriate, incendiary and insensitive … our words do damage, and it’s something that we don’t need.”
Limbaugh came under fire in 2003 when he spoke about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during an ESPN Sunday Night Football broadcast.
“I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well,” Limbaugh said. They’re interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well. I think there’s a little hope invested in McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he really didn’t deserve.”
Limbaugh also previously compared the NFL to some of L.A.’s most notorious gangs when he remarked: “Look, 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.”
