The Devil's Advocate

Bigot. Racist. Divisive. Polarizing. Shocking.

All of these have been used over the last few weeks in describing conservative radio giant Rush Limbaugh. Columnists like Jason Whitlock wrote that Rush is a "opportunistic, race-baiting, anti-black entertainer."

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wrote in his blog that the NFL would be "crazy" to allow Rush in as an owner. Even NFL players and owners came out publicly against the possible acquisition.

Then, on cue, the head of the NFL Players Association DeMaurice Smith followed the lead from the General's of the Race Army, Reverand's Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and condemned the bid. The Rev's claim that Maha Rushie blatant racism over the years has caused diviseness throughout the country.

Pot, meet kettle.

These analysts and opinion makers stand at the forefront of an hypocrisy that has spread throughout the country via a media that continues to attack conservatism with guns blazing. The anger that burns inside these "objective" journalists towards Limbaugh is so hot they stoop so low with an incredible disregard for professionalism. There is no question that Rush is the most polarizing figure in this country, so I'll play devil's advocate and serve up these assholes.

Jason Whitlock

Put in his column on October 12th quotes from a Jack Huberman book that claim Limbaugh said "You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray (Dr. King's assassin). We miss you, James. Godspeed." and "Let's face it, we didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: Slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back. I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark."

After Limbaugh denied the comments and confronted Whitlock, the columnist refused to retract the quotes saying the quotes added to the controversy that was "helping" the talk show host.

Since then, evidence has shown el Rushbo never uttered the comments.

Whitlock claimed he just took the quotes from the Huberman book "101 People Who Are Really Screwing America." I emailed Whitlock and asked why he did not check the source himself but have not of yet received a reply.

Didn't Tom Brokaw tell us the internet would destroy journalism because of the integrity of checking sources? Apparently Jason Whitlock is no better than the blogger who "Wiki'd" the comments.

Sharpton and Jackson

It's funny, I remember both of these ambulance chasers flying to North Carolina to publicly persecute the Duke lacrosse team after they were accused of raping a black stripper. What I don't remember is a retraction or apology to those young men, who will have the accusation hanging over their heads forever, after the stripper admitted to lying to authorities about the alleged sexual abuse. Maybe I missed it...or it just wasn't covered as much as the public conviction.

Jackson himself referred to Jews as "hymies" and called New York City "Hymietown" to a Washington Post reporter. Not at all racist. Yet these two are always quick to condemn others who disagree with them politically, and do it for political gain.

NFL

It looks as if Dave Cheketts will drop Rush from his ownership bid group. The reason is simple: The NFL is a players league.

Owners are scared of what Rush may say as an owner of a franchise and Cheketts more than likely realizes he will not get voted in with Rush riding shotgun. Rush has unceremoniously fired from ESPN in 2003 for, well, being Rush. He claimed the media desired a successful black quarterback in the NFL and anointed him as better than he really was. Rush also claimed that "the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it."

Agree or disagree with the quotes, but there are arguments that support both. McNabb was before his prime when the quotes were made and was fairly inconsistent in a time where there were starting QB's in the league like Daunte Culpepper and Steve McNair. There was a definite media blitz surrounding all three, the argument is that would there be that much attention if they were white?

In 2006, 41 arrests were made involving NFL players. Over the last 5 years there have been players who have opened fire (purposely or accidentally) in night clubs or just outside, fought and slaughtered dogs, struck and killed a pedestrian while driving intoxicated, beat a wife or girlfriend, moved controlled substances, etc.

Before the NFLPA takes exception to talk-show hosts calling their players thugs, maybe they should check the arrest sheets.

Pot, you know kettle right?

The NFL owners have no problem giving second chances to their players because they are what makes the league what it is, immensely popular. The league doesn't need Rush, but let's be clear here: Rush uses words, not guns. He talks everyday about capitalism and liberal agenda's ruining the country. He does not drown pitbulls. Players who claim they wouldn't play for him because of what he stands for have no problem blocking for teammates involved in death's of innocent people.

These are actions that defiantly go against what we stand for as a country, no matter what ideologue you subscribe to. Rush is an entertainer, like Keith Olbermann who the NFL has on their highly rated NBC studio show Sunday night's. The NFL should stand up to what is right and not condemn successful individuals who want to take part in a sport they love because they speak their mind.

Rush is an entertainer. The same people that claim Rush is a racist pay money to HBO so they can watch Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. They are cultural observers but are treated and viewed as opposites because of one or the others ideologue. It's time for everyone to take a hard look at context. It seems that is what is being missed and the source of the hypocrisy that is rampant in the media.