No Rush to Judgement

Well, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh won't be part owner of the National Football League's St. Louis Rams after all. This has been the topic of many talk radio programs. Many callers are applauding the decision by the NFL to "not accept" the bid to buy the Rams by the group that includes Limbaugh. Those callers claim that Limbaugh is a racist. Other callers have denounced the decision, claiming that anyone should be able to be part of the NFL. A common argument was that Michael Vick was convicted of a felony and is now a quarterback in the NFL, whereas Limbaugh, who has not been convicted of a felony, cannot be an owner.

Obviously, the vast majority of people opposed to Rush Limbaugh owning an NFL team are opposed to him because they do not believe in his political views. Those that support him as an NFL owner do so because they support his political views.

Here is the opinion of your humble blogger: Rush Limbaugh should not own a National Football League franchise. Rush is in the business of generating controversy. He has been an expert in doing so for many years. This skill has earned him millions of dollars over the tears. The last thing the NFL wants is controversy. Close eyes are kept on owners like Jerry Jones of Dallas and Al Davis of Oakland. The NFL wants to attract all fans and alienate none.

For the same reasons Rush Limbaush should not own an NFL francshise, neither should other controvery-mongers like Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. Race and political partisanship have nothing to do with reasons to deny ownership. However, generating controversy, and potentially alienating many fans, does not sell NFL tickets, merchandise or television rights.