NFL Union Head Slams Rush Limbaugh Bid For Rams

In an e-mail to the union on Saturday, NFL Players union executive director DeMaurice Smith was clear in his opposition to a possible attempt by Rush Limbaugh, as part of a group, to purchase the St. Louis Rams. His email to the executive committee said (emphasis mine):

I’ve spoken to the Commissioner (Roger Goodell) 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. [...]

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.

Our men are strong and proud sons, fathers, spouses and I am proud when they stand up, understand this is their profession and speak with candor and blunt honesty about how they feel.

A number of African-American players have already come out as saying they would never play for Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh has made several racist statements in the past, including saying that Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama simply because of his race.

All transactions for team sales, when formally presented after a thorough background check, are decided by the 32 owners by vote. We'll see what happens. Of course, considering the Rams' record (0-5), it fits right in line with the GOP of late ... losers.