It's not a smart idea, but Rush has the right to try

It's ironic that under the definition of controversy in Webster's Dictionary there is no sight of Rush Limbaugh or his likeness.
After all, for much of the past two decades the political talk show host has been the voice of those on the right side of the aisle and conservative America.
I'm not here to argue anyone's political beliefs and ambitions, that's your business and should be respected as such. However, Limbaugh has been more than willing to stir the pot a little during his time on television and radio, raising eyebrows for his comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donavon McNabb.
Limbaugh, at the time employed by ESPN and part of its Sunday NFL Countdown show, said "the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well,''and "there is a little hope invested in McNabb," getting a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve.
It's fine to be controversial every once in a while, everyone is not going to be 100 percent in your corner during this lifetime. But when you make it to where people — specifically people of certain races — are uncomfortable, some tend raise red flags and take a few steps back.
During his career, the political talk show host has referred to the NFL as "a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons," and said rather insensitive words about the institution of slavery, saying America's and specifically the South's century long infatuation with the business was not necessarily a bad thing, serving as a catalyst for this region's growth.
After saying such statements it should come as no surprise that people are in an uproar about Limbaugh being part of an ownership group interested in buying the St. Louis Rams.
The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have already raised their voice about the matter, with Jackson saying the right to own a NFL franchise is a privilege, one Limbaugh forfeited due to previous words and actions.
"The National Football League has set high standards for racial justice and inclusion," Jackson said. "He should not have the privilege of owning an NFL franchise -- and it is a privilege."
During Jackson's statement, he reiterated that owning an NFL franchise is a privilege, and I agree.
But he also must take a look at the track record of the players he and other civil rights leaders claim to represent. I've said it many times that "Men lie, women lie, but numbers don't."
Being able to suit up in a NFL uniform and play a sport that became the apple of their eye at a young age is a "privilege." If Jackson's assessment of Limbaugh is right, a healthy population of NFL players also have forfeited their right to earn millions of dollars and the recognition that goes with being a professional athlete.
Close to 60 players were arrested last year, with 25 getting bracelets put around the wrists they had not bargained for.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has done his part to crack down on this problem, with this year's numbers significantly lower than those from 2008 (though the year still has two full months of life). Not wanting to anger players, owners or sponsors, Goodell spoke up about the Limbaugh situation a few days ago, basically stating the NFL does not want divisive entities owning franchises in the organization.
Though I hope Limbaugh's attempt to own a NFL team is unsuccessful, he is within his right of trying to do so. But I beg a series of questions both to players and fans:
— If Limbaugh was given the green light to own the St. Louis Rams, what would you do about it? how much would your protests accomplish?
— Players: If Limbaugh's name is the one signed on a check, would you turn it down?
The NFL in its past has had divisive characters, such as former Washington Redskins owner George Marshall, who for a long time swore to never have a Black player on his team. Even to this day, the Redskins' fight song, "Hail to the Redskins," is a knock off of the team's original theme of "Fight for Old Dixie."
Time will tell how this shakes out, but Limbaugh's dream looks like it will take quite a bit of persuading, no matter his opinion.