Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
Rush Limbaugh's effort to buy a stake in the Saint Louis Rams is over. The controversial radio talk show host was supposed to be a limited partner in a group that wanted to buy the NFL team. Though, the head of that group now says Limbaugh will have no part in the bid.
"It has become clear that his involvement in our group has become a complication and a distraction to our intentions; endangering our bid to keep the team in Saint Louis, " the head of the group Dave Checketts said in a statement tonight.
As we mentioned earlier this week on 360°, Limbaugh's involvement had run into opposition within the NFL due to his past remarks about African-Americans in general and some black NFL players.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed doubts yesterday when he said Limbaugh's "divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about." Also Tuesday, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he would vote against a bid that involved Limbaugh. Keep in mind: any bid needs three-quarters of existing owners to agree.
What do you think of the Limbaugh dismissal? Sound off below.
Tonight on 360°, former ESPN anchor Stephen A. Smith weighs in on the move – along with the Rev. Al Sharpton who called on the NFL to block a Limbaugh bid.
We will also bring you an exclusive report on the sweat lodge ceremony that ended in the death of two people in Arizona last weekend. Gary Tuchman shows us what the ancient ritual is all about and he has new details on investigation.
Plus, for the first time, you'll see what Jaycee Duggard looks like after 18-years in captivity. Erica Hill reports on how Jaycee and her two children are doing now that she's reunited with her family.
Join us for these stories and more starting at 10pm ET. See you then!
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I agree Rush Limbaugh brought this on himself. Ladies and gentlemen " THE EGO HAS LANDED " . Isn't that what Rush said when he was happy that WE (The American People) lost the bid to the Olympics. Now it seems that his EGO HAS LANDED. Good Karma.
(Too bad the decision wasnt allowed a vote by Missourians.)
Rush's opinions do not prevent him from being an NFL fan, and shouldnt prevent him from being a partial non-voting owner.
Well i guess if you can stop him from buying in then next thing you know everyone will be stopping anybody from buying in sounds like this is not free enterprise any more so i will vote by not buying any tickets or watch any games or anything NFL since it is now a country club that excludes people.
Rush Limbaugh has been a person of negativity and hatred throughout his career. Why would St. Louis even want him involved in one of their teams?
i am a loyal rams fan win or lose, and would love to see the rams moved back to la. last time i checked that is what this man wanted to do...i really dont think these players care who make out their checks as long as they get paid... last time i checked this is a business not some elite club....this is a business that excuses felons and gives them back their jobs....this is america and we should all be able to buy what we want if we have the money to buy it...all that this controvesy has done for this man is given him more listeners...this is just a conservative talk show host with his point of veiws just like you have your point of veiws as well....good old jesse and al speak with fork tongues prasing martin luther king, actting as if they follow in this mans footsteps. i dont think they have any idea what this man really stood for. this was a man that wanted things right for all races creeds and colors. so rather than hating, pray.
good for the NFL we dont need no more of his negative energy than we already have to put up with
Now if Rush were to buy the Oakland Raiders he would be a hero
"The ego has landed!" -RL
(ah from the mouth of babes)
Oh THANK GOD. The Rams are on enough hard times without losing 90% of their fans because Limbaugh bought them. THAT would be a greater travesty than them losing every game this season!
What has happened to this great country? Freedom of choice? Freedom of speech? Seems like we truly have entered into a "1984" society where ever persoanl choice must meet the approval of the politically correct crowd or you will be punished. Who will be the next businessman to be punished because we disagree with their personal views. It's a slippery slope....be careful.
Well done by the owners of the Rams
This is ridiculous....banning rush from buying a stake in the team is senseless...Dave checketts was looking for investors and Rush has the money...let him spend it on anything he wants. The NFL is full of felons with records from DUI, domestic violence, assault, tax evasion, the list goes on...you don't see anyone banning them from making millions of dollars every year and being the role model for your kids... Mixing politics and sports?? who's mixing anything..he's a smart man trying to invest money in a promising investment...people should grow up!
Funny the NFL will not allow Rush for what he said, but will allow VIck even though he tortured and mutilate dogs. Sad
Well said Josh
Rush, how does it feel... he...he...he
I hope this teaches Rush a lesson. Maybe in the future he will be a better American by being inclusive and loving of his fellow man, instead of devisive and filled with hate, but I won't hold my breath for that.
Glad to see Rush is getting some of the same negative crap he puts out! What goes around comes around.
For everyone happy to see Rush removed from the bidding list, keep in mind that when he can no longer speak freely, neither will any of us. Today's decision is a step backward for anyone who enjoys freedom of speech. It's clear that this country's fight for freedom, is in vain.
The NFL made the right move. The same guy who once said "The NFL looks like a game between the bloods and the crips without any weapons" wants a stake in the St.Louis Rams. Ironic to say the least. Limbaugh doesn't give a damn about the NFL's players but instead makes outlandish stereo-typical remarks about them. If he has that view about the NFL then why would he want to be part of it, to make money. End of story.
They didn't boot him because of his views per se. They booted him because he would be bad for business. Hard to argue with them.
Why are we being harder on Rush Limbaugh than we are say an NFL player who ran someone over while drunk and he only spent 30 days in jail. I as a African American male could care less if he or any one else decides to buy an NFL franchise. It's his money not yours. If you don't like him or his team don't watch it. We are being hipocrites.
Finally it happened. He brought this on himself. Now he should realize that his views or not shared by everyone and the small group of people who support him dont work for the NFL. Thanks to all the people who stood up to the jerk for once.
I think the NFL,was dead on the money,It don't need a jerk like rush.
Good for the NFL and the current owners of the Rams. Yes, Rush has a right to say what ever he wants and he does so. He is not being 'banned' from buying anything he likes, the league votes on ownership and it was obvious that the league would have never approved it. If Al Sharpton wants to buy a team and the league says yes, then fine. If they say no, then fine. Quit with your 'reverse racism' stuff.
Clearly many of you don't listen to Rush. If you did, you'd know that he is anything BUT a racist and hate monger. He loves our country and wants opportunities for all. He opposes those who want to stifle opportunities and instead want to control the masses. He loves to use what the left says and exploit it but he doesn't come up with it himself. What he does come up with are logical reasons to oppose obtrusive government programs that claim to help the masses but end up stifling and entire country.
Rush as worked hard his entire life to get where he is. Now that he is successful and clearly people want to hear what he has to say or he wouldn't be so rich. Rich is good for America. His investment in a football team would be good for America, too. All of you seem to prefer dog-fighting, wife beating and drug using to free speech. God help us.
I don't even know how this is an issue...yes he has the right to "maybe" own a team or part of a team, "IF" the NFL allows him...They said no...That's their choice, and i think that's the right decesion..should he be banned, no, not at all....But i doubt that he'll ever own a team because of is views..Fine by me...Besides, the "PLAYERS" said they did not want to play for him..So why would the NFL's owners want him in???...Such a no brainer to me...JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE MONEY, DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN BUY EVERYTHING....it's that simple...
I am ecstatic about the outcome....
Rush continually insults the minds of Americans and America readily accepts it and I find it difficult to understand.
Wake up America. Rush is clearly a racist and highly self serving.
Limbaugh certainly has the right to buy anything he wants. And the NFL has the right to say, "Not for sale...to you." Seems fair to me. Why the whining?
There is no place in the NFL for the likes of Rush Limbaugh. His previous statements regarding blacks and other minorities are both racist and reflect the lack of intelligence needed to be part of ownership. As a season ticket holder in the city where I live, I am personally breathing a sigh of relief that he is not a part of the sport that I love.
It is completely reasonable and fair for Limbaugh's co-investors to decide that his involvement could negatively impact their bid for the team and therefore, decide to oust him. Limbaugh has chosen to be a controversial figure and should expect certain repercussions.
What does it matter? Isn't he a person like the rest of us who wants to invest in something that might pay off in the future? Who are you all to decline someone that opportunity? Isn't that what freedom is all about, opportunity? I am glad that you are taking that opportunity away just because of his beliefs.
Ahhhh... This news just warms my heart!!
Anytime entertainers mix with sports is a bad thing. Rush provides great comedy, but no substance. His goal is to rile people up, and make them hate. That is the antithesis of sportsmanship and he should not be allowed.
How could anyone possibly think a bigot and racist like RL could be part of the NFL?
He shames anything or anyone associated with him.
Total bull crap. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are more racist then Limbaugh could ever be!