Despite having backed out of the deal, Rush Limbaugh’s recent attempt to gain control of the St. Louis Rams has brought out a flurry of attacks from the more progressive members of society. I keep wondering why. First, Limbaugh would not be a sole owner. Secondly, what right does anyone outside of the franchise have to prevent him from taking a corporation through a legal manner? If you are a Rams fan and you don’t like his politics, stop buying tickets and paraphernalia. If you actually work at the club, I am under the assumption that every contract has a “buy-out” clause.
If you think he is a misogynistic pig/racist, then buy out your contract. If you play for another team, feel free to boycott Rams game. If you have the money to buy Old Rush out or buy the whole team yourself, then you can prevent the sale by merely bidding more. Is it worth $750 million to you, billionaire potential buyers, for controlling stakes of the Rams?
Stories involving “divisive” characters, such as Limbaugh, tend to drone on for extended periods of time. Personally, I didn’t think that it was an issue until I heard that the school was putting on an event to talk about it. What’s there to talk about?
A fat angry white guy buys part of a corporation. That doesn’t sound very unusual. On the other hand, I wanted Limbaugh to buy the Rams because it gives me more reason to hate the team (I’m a Titans fan with a serious grudge and they stole my Super Bowl).
Unfortunately, the players union and the owners association have fought successfully to keep Limbaugh from pursuing the deal. Based on the ESPN details, it seems that this act is solely based on an attempt to keep up “good standards,” as Commissioner Goodell told ESPN. In addition, the Commissioner said, “I would not want to see those comments coming from people who are in a responsible position in the NFL – absolutely not.”
It seems professional sports have come a long way from the days of Marge Schott’s crazy comments. Of course, I do wonder how the league can claim to hold up “good standards.” I was at the game when Albert Haynesworth stepped on a guy’s face (but I was rooting for Albert’s speedy return to the field). Michael Vick served time, but I guess a racist statement is much more shocking for fans to accept from an owner than dog fighting is from a QB.
Then, again, could be seeing discriminatory practices at work? Could Limbaugh and Beck be right that the left is really our to get them? Something is rotten in the state of Denmark?!! Hell, John Rocker got suspended for his racist comments but Ray Lewis participated in obstruction of justice in a murder. What did that social delinquent get? A fine for $250,000 with no suspension. It may sound like a lot of money, but his contract is now 7 years for around $15.5 million.
Clearly, professional sports are not the best place for kids to look for role model. In fact, given their inability to govern, I would suggest not looking at Congress either.
I guess we need to go back to the old favorites of firefighters, doctors and soldiers for our dose of leadership. As for corporate acquisitions, I think that it would be best for the market to do the talking.
