“Sorry to say this, I don’t think he’s been that good from the get-go,” Limbaugh said. “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. 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.”
That’s the statement Rush made on ESPN in late September 2003. He was hired as a commentator on the NFL on the program Sunday NFL Countdown. He was to talk about the NFL, the players, the owners, the media and — by the way — he WAS Rush Limbaugh. I’m not sure what ESPN thought it was getting — but, it got who it hired, Rush Limbaugh. He was and is the most popular, successful and listened to talk show host in history. He’s made his mark by being critical of the media, liberalism, and political correctness.
He’s been called a racist for the above quote — something he actually said. And, liberals who’ve been waiting for a chance to take a shot at him have furthered this crusade to denigrate the host have been piling on — making up wild stories about Rush calling slavery beneficial — to saying — blacks are only 12 percent of the population, who cares — to — saying James Earl Ray (the man who killed MLK) should get a posthumous Medal of Honor. Again, NONE of these alleged quotes can be confirmed.. in fact, they all appear to be dead wrong. That hasn’t stopped so-called journalists from using the quotes, only to offer retractions later. Interestingly, most of the retractions came after Rush was dropped from the bid to buy the team.
So, let’s take a look at that quote — the real one Rush said in ’03. I disagree with the premise. I don’t think McNabb was overrated. Matter of fact, I think he was one of the best quarterbacks in the league at the time. Rush certainly didn’t agree with me .. and, as is his MO, he went after the media. Saying the media wanted to support a quarterback because he was black is not by any means a criticism of McNabb’s race.. it was a clear criticism of the media. I just don’t understand how it could have been taken any other way. Now, had Rush said, “McNabb is overrated and really isn’t any good because he’s black,” or “Black quarterbacks cannot succeed in the NFL.” Now, you’ve got some racist comments. His commentary was clearly directed at the media. For some reason, it’s been twisted to be a direct attack on McNabb’s race. It’s ridiculous. What’s interesting, is how ESPN initially backed Limbaugh just to later turn its back on him. Don’t believe me? I’ll do more than most news paper commentators or reporters will for you. I’ll cite a real and legitimate source.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1627887
Take note newspapers, it’s called sourcing or attribution.
but, what do I know?
j