Limbaugh's NFL franchise hope sparks player outcry

Several NFL players are speaking out against conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh's reported bid to become an NFL club owner.

Limbaugh, an American radio talk-show host known for his outrageous commentary, is teaming with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts and others in hopes of purchasing the St. Louis Rams from Chip Rosenbloom.

The Rams have been in the Rosenbloom family since the 1970s.

Limbaugh resigned from ESPN in 2003 after a brief stint as a commentator. His departure followed his comment that the media were "very desirous that a black quarterback do well," a reference to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

The reported Rams bid has players around the league up in arms.

"A lot of the comments that he said, I feel like they have no place in journalism," New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka told the New York Daily News. "It is just an opinion show that should only be taken for shock value. I liken it to South Park when I am listening to him."

New York Jets defensive linebacker Bart Scott remembers the McNabb comments.

"It's an oxymoron that he criticized Donovan McNabb," Scott said. "A lot of us took it as more of a racial-type thing. I can only imagine how his players would feel. I know I wouldn't want to play for him.

"He's a jerk. What he said [about McNabb] was inappropriate and insensitive, totally off-base. He could offer me whatever he wanted, I wouldn't play for him. ... I wouldn't play for Rush Limbaugh. My principles are greater and I can't be bought."

ESPN reported Sunday that NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith sent an out email on Saturday to his executive committee addressing Limbaugh's bid.

"I've spoken to the [NFL] commissioner [Roger Goodell] and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages," Smith wrote in his email.

"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."

In Smith's further communication with his executive committee, he also reportedly encouraged NFL players to come forward to speak their minds.