Smith sends e-mail detailing opposition (solidify the union against radio host Rush Limbaugh )

[Omaha Steve]

Source: ESPN News

By Chris Mortensen ESPN

NFL Players Executive Director DeMaurice Smith on Saturday made a move to solidify the union against a bid by conservative talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh as part of a group that aims to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

In an e-mail to the union's executive committee on Saturday specifically addressing Limbaugh's bid, Smith said, "I've spoken to the Commissioner and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."

Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are among six potential ownership groups that have discussed buying the Rams. League sources say the current sale price has ranged from $700-to-$750 million but that there did not appear to be an imminent transaction.

There are also strong African-American ownership groups interested in buying the Rams, including businessmen Donald Watkins and Dave Steward.



Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4551010

[zonkers]

1. Love it.

[KyleA]

2. Good for them

The nerve of the fat racist to try and buy a football team. He was run out of the NFL once before for his ignorance. McNabb must be loving it.

[AlbertCat]

3. But sport in America is at its best

Oh yeah!

Steroids anyone? Cheating and dog fighting. Making gazillions more than a teacher for throwing a ball.

It's the BEST!

[svpadgham]

7. You forgot the rest of that line.

"...But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."

You may not like professional sports and you may think the salaries are unfair, but you could be a little more responsible when using a quote. The man was saying that sports are good when they unify. He wasn't necessarily talking about the NFL or professional sports.

[DWilliamsamh]

9. STFU

Sport has problems just like every other segment of society. No worse than any other. The NFL doesn't need to add a racist to the roster of owners.

[zonkers]

24. I had a dog on steroids that used to make gazillions and he taught me how to throw a ball.

[Ian David]

4. I think Limbaugh should be ENCOURAGED to buy a football team.

It's our best chance of seeing him driven into bankruptcy.

[DWilliamsamh]

10. I've got news for you...owning an NFL team is a license to print money.

Especially a franchise with a large and deep fan base like the Rams.

[Dappleganger]

35. They are viewed as being too big to fail...

fuck the rest of us, the demi-gods and their owners are what makes us Amerkins!

/s

[DWilliamsamh]

37. Non sequitor much?

[Blue_Tires]

40. not with an immense TV contract and revenue sharing...

it is almost impossible to lose money in the NFL...

[patrice]

5. Wouldn't that cause a Black exodus from a team owned by that Southern revanchist

, Limbaugh? Wouldn't a significant number of Black players leave the team and wouldn't the team subsequently suffer quarantine by Blacks? Or doesn't it work that way?

[MadMaddie]

11. Yes it would. There are black players all ready saying they

will not play for the team if he becomes the owner.

[samsingh]

6. limbaugh is not worthy of owning a sports team

[kmkleff]

8. What is the NFL policy regarding ....

Drug abuse among ownership?

[47of74]

12. Smith sends e-mail detailing opposition

Source: ESPN

NFL Players executive director DeMaurice Smith on Saturday made a move to solidify the union against a bid by conservative talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh as part of a group that aims to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

In an e-mail to the union's executive committee on Saturday specifically addressing Limbaugh's bid, Smith said, "I've spoken to the Commissioner and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."

Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are among six potential ownership groups that have discussed buying the Rams. League sources say the current sale price has ranged from $700-to-$750 million but that there did not appear to be an imminent transaction.

On Sunday, Smith briefly elaborated, "This communication is more about what we stand for than the reality of our role in any franchise sale. While it's true the subject matter was related , I do understand that the NFL does not present ownership bids to me or the NFLPA. I encourage our players to express their views."

Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4551010

---

Hopefully that fat ass drug addict Limbaugh won't be owning any part of the Rams anytime soon.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. I'd like to see

A horn up his ass...

;)

[ozymandius]

18. My wish is for an antler. n/t

[47of74]

21. With how many points on the antler?

[ozymandius]

23. I dunno. What's the record? Let's go with that.

n/t

[SomeGuyInEagan]

36. Oh, I'm sure that nothing new for him

[No Elephants]

38. LOLOL. Welcome.

[DeSwiss]

14. K&R

The NFL don't need to court disaster and that's exactly what Limpballs is, a walking disaster. Illegal drug use, potential involvement in questionable activities on a certain Caribbean Island known for its child prostitution and blatant racism.

- And the idea of Limpballs being referred to as an "owner" of black football player is an unsaid racist joke waiting to happen.

[bluestateguy]

15. How cool would that be if a union thwarted Limbaugh's plans?

Those damn union thugs!! :rofl:

[47of74]

20. That'd be good for several more years of Rush whining away about unions

[nradisic]

16. Racists and assholes don't get to own teams...

Fuck you Rush!

[Ikonoklast]

17. I hate to tell you this, but the NFL ownership is full of both.

And until very recently, many of the coaches were hard-pressed to hide their racism.

Rush would be in good company if he ever got the chance to own an NFL team.

[AlbertCat]

22. Watch it! Don't diss sports

Apparently, professional sports is just like a neighborhood ball game.

I mentioned steroids and outrageous salaries and was told to STFU.

[DWilliamsamh]

26. You were told to STFU...because this has nothing to do with that.

And if you are going to allude to someone else's post, try being honest and including at least full context.

[djpalmer71]

19. Rush + Football Ownership = Lost Fans

I think I would have to stop watching football if Rush were to become a team owner. He would no doubt ruin the NFL.

[HillbillyBob]

25. I have a lovely fantasy...

Rent one of those extra long dump truck you know the kind with a 50 or 60 foot bed and fill it full of nice ripe pigshit...and dump it on his lawn.
I live to far away and don't have a cdl license and don't have the money to meet my bills every month so...Maybe someone will pick up on the idea.....

[yurbud]

27. Union opposes Rush Limbaugh's bid to buy St. Louis Rams

Source: ESPN

NFL Players executive director DeMaurice Smith on Saturday made a move to solidify the union against a bid by conservative talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh as part of a group that aims to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

In an e-mail to the union's executive committee on Saturday specifically addressing Limbaugh's bid, Smith said, "I've spoken to the Commissioner and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."

***
At least seven NFL players have publicly opposed Limbaugh's interest in purchasing the Rams with Checketts. In Smith's communication Saturday with his executive committee, the union leader encouraged players to speak their mind on all matters, including Limbaugh's bid.

"I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL," said Smith in the e-mail. "They risk everything to play this game, they understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life. We also know that there is an ugly part of history and we will not risk going backwards, giving up, giving in or lying down to it.

Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4551010

---

Why is it FOOTBALL PLAYERS can deal more matter-of-factly with what the GOP is than our elected Democratic representatives in Congress?

There is no acrimony in this statement, simply an acknowledgment of Limbaugh's history of racist statements, and the fact that they don't want to work with the guy.

Too often Democrats pretend they merely have differences of opinion with the GOP about how best to serve America when it is clear to everyone else that they are serving us like a Thanksgiving turkey to their rich patrons.

I am not a football fan at all, but I almost want to start watching in solidarity with these guys.

[harry_pothead]

28. I am a football fan and three fucking cheers to the NFL players.

[Vidar]

29. Three cheers for the players' union.

[Hubert Flottz]

30. Maybe Rush can buy Hank!

[onestepforward]

31. I'm not a football fan either, but is truly awesome!

I'm very impressed by the NFL players! They sent out a strong statement against what Rush stands for.

[no_hypocrisy]

32. Considering the players' compensation, you could understand a notable number

being "conservative" as far as their money goes. It's gratifying to see they haven't given up their integrity like many noveau "republicans".

[Doctor_J]

33. He could get most of the white players to play for him

90% or so of them are right-wing Repukes who probably worship him.

:thumbsup: to the black players for speaking up.

[marshall]

34. Maybe they can take up a collection to help Watkins and/or Steward buy the team

It all comes down to money in the end.

[No Elephants]

39. Still waiting for all the white players to say they won't play for a racist.

[ArnoldLayne]

41. Rush The Drugster shouldn't been allowed

due to his past drug problems.