Read the debate intro and Loyal Homer’s argument that Rush Limbaugh should have no problem joining the ranks of NFL owners.
It is hard to imagine a more polarizing political figure than conservative radio talk show host and commentator Rush Limbaugh. It seems most folks are either big fans, or strongly dislike him. Limbaugh’s mercilessly communicated opinions and knack for drumming up controversy fly in the face of any moderate opinion attempting to toe the line. Either a person agrees with Limbaugh, or they do not. There simply is no middle ground.
When recently announcing his role in a prospective ownership group assimilating to put a bid in on the St. Louis Rams NFL football franchise, Limbaugh showed how easily the political divide can translate into the world of sports. Two well known and respected NFL players – New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka and New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott – each publically announced their refusal to play for a franchise owned, even in part, by Rush Limbaugh. Kiwanuka told the New York Daily News, “I mean, I don’t want anything to do with a team that [Limbaugh] has any part of. He can do whatever he wants, it is a free country. But if he goes through, I can tell you where I am not going to play.” Kiwanuka is a good football player, the kind of football player a team needs to be successful. His former defensive coach Steve Spagnuolo is now the head coach of the Rams, the team Limbaugh was originally in the bid to purchase. Despite the opportunity for a possible reunion, Kiwanuka still emphatically slammed the door on playing for the Rams due to Limbaugh’s presence – an action that is both powerful and a sign of things to come.
This is not the first time Limbaugh has stirred up controversy in connection with the NFL. In 2003 Limbaugh was hired to be a studio commentator for ESPN’s popular Sunday Morning Countdown show. His role was supposed to be a question asker, a glorified fan who desired to explore the depth of social issues inherent in the NFL’s framework. What ESPN got instead was a lightning rod for controversy they were forced to fire. Limbaugh said on the show that the media loved Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, and consequently made the player overrated, not because he was a talented quarterback but because they wanted to see a black quarterback have success in the NFL. Limbaugh was fired from the show shortly after the live incident, and then arrested on allegations of prescription drug possession, a habit he eventually went through rehab to kick.
Every person has made mistakes. But, not every person deserves to own part of an NFL franchise. Certain actions or statements we all make in life have consequences. Sometimes those consequences involve opening doors to new opportunities, sometimes they close doors. Limbaugh’s history and inflammatory opinions have closed this NFL door of opportunity.
Whether a person agrees with what the players are saying about Limbaugh’s ownership or not, the comments do reflect perception. We all know the saying… “Perception is nine tenths of the law.” Whether Limbaugh’s ambition is to own an NFL team now – though not with the Rams thanks to last night’s report that Limbaugh got the boot from the prospective ownership team – or later, the lesson is clear: If the NFL welcomes Rush Limbaugh into the ownership fold it is asking for public relations drama and a string of players that refuse to play for the team he owns.
What Mark Cuban is to the NBA, Rush Limbaugh would be to the NFL… times a hundred. Limbaugh did not get to this point in his career by always playing diplomat. He ascended by being controversial, and that attitude cannot be turned off indefinitely for the purposes of a business investment. And the current group of NFL owners agrees.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay went as far as publically announcing that he would not support Limbaugh’s bid to own a share of an NFL franchise. He told the Associated Press, “When there are comments that have been made that are inappropriate, incendiary, and insensitive… our words do damage, [Limbaugh’s inclusion as an NFL owner] is something that we don’t need.”
Then, despite Irsay’s words and a strongly worded warning from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Limbaugh kicked the controversy machine into overdrive and declared he would not be backing out of the bid for ownership. That comment is exactly opposite what owners were hoping for. So, the ownership group did the RIGHT thing by the NFL and removed Limbaugh from the picture to strengthen their bid and endear themselves to the other owners.
Rush Limbaugh likely has a legitimate love affair with the NFL. But he has burned far too many bridges to be an effective owner. Part of the responsibility of an owner is to cultivate an environment that employees are willing to not just work hard for, but walk through walls for. Whether that employee is a coach, a player, a cook, or a kick off tee retriever, every member of the organization must BELIEVE, and those cues ultimately come from the ownership.
Could Limbaugh field a viable NFL organization with the difficulties he has already created for himself? It is highly doubtful. It is hard enough to build a winning professional football franchise when financial resources are unlimited. Imagine trying to build a consistently successful franchise when a faction of players simply refuse to play on the team.
Limbaugh can learn a lesson here, if he is open to learning moments in his life. His radio and commentary career is brilliant, no matter if a person agrees with his politics or not. He is extremely wealthy and has the fame he seems to relish. But taking the principles that helped construct his currently successful career path into the NFL is beyond unwise, it is impossible. And, it is bad business.
