Posted on 10/01/2003 3:04:45 PM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
ESPN.com: NFL
Wednesday, October 1, 2003 QB disappointed others didn't respond during show
ESPN.com news services
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb isn't looking for an apology from Rush Limbaugh, who said he was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.
It's too late for that.
“ An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it. ” — Donovan McNabb
"He said what he said. ... I'm sure he's not the only one that feels that way but it's somewhat shocking to actually hear that on national TV," the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback said of Limbaugh at a news conference Wednesday. "An apology would do no good because he obviously thought about it before he said it."
Before McNabb led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 23-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Limbaugh said during ESPN's pregame show that he didn't think McNabb was as good as perceived from the start.
"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," Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
Limbaugh didn't back down from his comments during his syndicated radio talk show Wednesday.
“ All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something. ” — Rush Limbaugh
"All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something," Limbaugh said. "If I wasn't right, there wouldn't be this cacophony of outrage that has sprung up in the sports writer community."
The NFL disclaimed any responsibility.
"ESPN knew what it was getting when they hired Rush Limbaugh," league vice president Joe Browne said. "ESPN selects its on-air talent, not the NFL."
Chris Berman, who anchors the ESPN show, described himself as "a New England Democrat" but added, "I don't think Rush was malicious in intent or in tone.''
"As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears," he said. "I probably should have looked to soften it.
"We're sorry we upset a guy who got off to a rough start. We don't need to be in the middle of his travails.
"As the quarterback of the show, I feel bad about it. I don't think it was meant the way it came out. I don't think that defines the way Rush feels about people."
McNabb, who was runner-up for the league MVP award in 2000 and has led the Eagles to two straight NFC championship games, said he has no quarrel with Limbaugh's comment on his playing ability. "I know I played badly the first two games," he said Wednesday.
ESPN executive vice president Mark Shapiro came to the conservative Limbaugh's defense.
"This is not a politically motivated comment. This is a sports and media argument," Shapiro was quoted as saying in a USA Today column published Wednesday. "Rush was arguing McNabb is essentially overrated and that his success is more in part [due] to the team assembled around him.
"We brought Rush in for no-holds-barred opinion. Early on, he has delivered," Shapiro told USA Today.
McNabb got off to the worst start of his career this season and was the NFL's lowest-rated starting quarterback after losses to Tampa Bay and New England. Still, the Eagles are 36-22 in games he started.
He said Wednesday that Limbaugh's comments about his race were out of bounds and added that someone on the show should have taken him on. Among the other panelists are former players Michael Irvin and Tom Jackson, both of whom are black.
"I'm not pointing at anyone but someone should have said it," McNabb said of the panelists, who also include Chris Berman and Steve Young. "I wouldn't have cared if it was the cameraman."
According to USA Today, ESPN chose not to have Jackson, Irvin, and Young comment.
The outcry in Philadelphia might grow when the timing of Limbaugh's remarks is considered: He is scheduled to be in the city Thursday to give a keynote address at the three-day National Association of Broadcasters radio convention.
ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle said Tuesday that with Limbaugh on the show this season, ratings for "Sunday NFL Countdown" are up 10 percent overall, and 26 percent among the 18-to-34 male demographic. Sunday's show drew its biggest audience in the regular season since November 1996.
Limbaugh is best known as the radio host of the conservative, politically focused "Rush Limbaugh Show," which is syndicated in more than 650 markets worldwide.
He spent most of the 1990s assailing then-President Clinton and now spends Sunday mornings talking football, a job he called "the fulfillment of a dream."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Too many football teams. All the talent & teams are watered down now allowing former or should-be bench-riders to be a starter.
The same thing has happened in similar ways to the NBA & MLB.
Mission accomplished Rush, Great Job.
If you're talking about Kordell, Jeff Blake & Quincy Carter you're right. If you're talking about Michael Vick, Culpepper & Steve McNair you couldn't be more wrong.
There was also *plenty* of hype for white QBs this pre-season too -- Favre, Pennington, Jake Plummer, Kelly Holcomb....
Bottom line -- there was no reason to for Rush to mention race. If there was ------ where is his proof????
Once they listen to his words, the folks will decide who is wrong, who is RIGHT, and who is full of S#IT!
Way to go RUSTY!
Tom Brady's a great example of an over-hyped QB.
And if a Super Bowl win is all that it takes to get press then they should all be writing about Trent Dilfer.
That's simply not true. Culpepper, Vick & McNair gets TONS of press.
Last year you couldn't turn on any NFL coverage w/out seeing Vick everywhere.
They of course had all the right clips and news, even mentioning that Rush had been hired to be controversial and had increased ratings.
Then Dan took off on how for years and years blacks in youth football had been discouraged from quarterbacking because of low intelligence. That was followed up with the clip of Jimmy the Greek making his famous statement.
Heh heh. No they're not. If Rush would have said something truly bonkers he'd be fired by now.
But ESPN will love their ratings for their next show & probably the rest of the season.
They'd rather have P.O.'d callers then no callers. It proves people are watching & will continue to do so.
That has more to do with the fact that he's barely played. He's a very young QB, mind you.
Maybe he'll fizzle, maybe not. But I sure as hell would take him for my team (the Clowns).
You are so right Bro! I wondered how long it would take. Like a crack in the windshield, it's just gonna get bigger. Rush has to love this!
Props to you Littlejon.
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