The Final Call

NFL players sack Rush Limbaugh

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Eight days later Dave Checketts, the head of the ownership group, announced Mr. Limbaugh's participation had become a complication in the group's efforts and that they would move forward without him. The quick dismissal of Mr. Limbaugh from the group's efforts was brought on by multiple factors, but first among them were NFL players speaking out strongly against the prospect of playing for a team that Mr. Limbaugh owned.

Their comments triggered events that led to the eventual dismissal of Mr. Limbaugh from the group.

Considering Mr. Limbaugh's history is filled with comments that vary between borderline and outrageously racist, it isn't at all surprising that he would encounter some opposition trying to break into a league where around 66 percent of the players are Black. However, what some may find surprising is that players actually spoke out publicly.

Professional athletes in general aren't known for taking too many stands on what could be considered social or political issues. This goes doubly for NFL players because of the image-conscious nature of the league coupled with the players' desire to avoid suspensions and fines by not saying anything that could potentially be seen as controversial. Could it be possible this episode suggests things may be a little different in the future? No one is suggesting all the Black players in the league will all of a sudden boycott a week of games in order to protest the American government's lack of response to the genocide in Africa, but between the reaction to Barack Obama's election amongst Black players in the league and the Limbaugh ordeal, maybe players won't be as hesitant to answer a question or make a comment that isn't about football.

On the other side of this story, Rush Limbaugh has already lashed out at the executive director of the NFL Players Union DeMaurice Smith, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, all of whom spoke out against Mr. Limbaugh. He has made disparaging comments about all three of them, while portraying himself as being victimized by media misreports and lies.

While Mr. Limbaugh's interest in owning an NFL team could have been and probably was completely legitimate, it is also clear that his not being allowed to proceed has brought considerable attention to him. It is possible more people who didn't know who Rush Limbaugh was heard his name in the past week than any amount of advertising could have accomplished. On top of that, these events allow him to do what he almost always does these days, which is talk about the evils of the liberal media and “Obama's America.”

Whether or not this added exposure allows him to expand his audience remains to be seen. What is indisputable is that Rush Limbaugh won't be a part of the NFL, largely because the players have spoken.