A RUSH to Judgement

Ok now let me get this straight... American radio host and well-known conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh is alleged to be part of a group led by Dave Checketts, chairman of the St. Louis Blues and former CEO and president of Madison Square Garden, to purchase the St. Louis Rams. Several NFL players have stated vehemently that they would not play for a Limbaugh-owned franchise.

The beef?

In 2003, on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, Limbaugh stated of Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb: "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."

Was it inappropriate? Ya, probably was, especially when you take into account the ultra-sensitive, racially-polarizing world we live in.

Was it an entirely false statement? Not really sure, that's for the you, the individual, to decide.

What troubles me most here is not Limbaugh's comments, but the fierce stance of NFL players against Limbaugh.

Now, let's put aside racial-sensitivity...the NFL is 65% African American, there's no debating that.

You know what else is fact? The NFL is comprised of many, many players who have blatantly and egregiously violated the law. Guess what? The vast majority of them are black too. Guess what else? Nearly all of them have gotten a second chance.

Leonard Little, Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, Michael Vick, Braylon Edwards, Plaxico Burress, Donte Stallworth, Marshawn Lynch, Rae Carruth, Ray Lewis...the list goes on and on and on.

These aren't petty crimes folks! These gentlemen have ruined and taken innocent lives...homicide, DUI manslaughter, weapons possession, domestic violence!!!

But how quickly are these NFL players, mostly black, to embrace the returns of Michael Vick or Pacman Jones. How quickly are they to say these men deserve a second chance!

Is Rush Limbaugh what the NFL wants and needs? Probably not.

Are many of his comments off-color? No doubt.

But these players have got to be kidding me!

What's worse guys? A man making what he feels is an honest statement, regardless of its insensitivity, or a man who murdered hundreds of dogs, beat his wife or girlfriend, or got in a car drunk and mowed down a innocent person?!?!

Wake up fellas! I'm not saying you should embrace Limbaugh, just don't make a rush to judgement before taking an honest evaluation of the men you share a locker room, a huddle, and a way of life with.