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CNN Live At Daybreak
Rush-ing the Quarterback: Rush Limbaugh Quits ESPN
Aired October 02, 2003 - 06:31 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Blitzed, he quit. Rush Limbaugh has turned in his resignation to the ESPN sports show. He did that after making controversial remarks about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Here's what Limbaugh had to say about why he resigned. He says: "My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media, and were not racially motivated. I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret. I love 'NFL Sunday Countdown,' and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it. Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen."
ESPN also issued a statement. Here's what it said. It says: "We accept his resignation and regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."
In case you missed it, here's the comments last Sunday that started the whole mess.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSH LIMBAUGH, ESPN CONTRIBUTOR: You know, I think the sum total of what you're all saying is that Donovan McNabb is regressing. He's going backwards. And my -- I'm sorry to say this. I don't think he's been that good from the get-go. I think what we have here is a little social concern in the NFL. I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Donovan McNabb himself held his own forum for the media. He says he can shrug off criticism about his play, but he was upset that Limbaugh made it a racial issue. McNabb conveyed the message that he'll stick to what he knows best.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONOVAN MCNABB, EAGLES QUARTERBACK: I'm not here to judge anyone. You know, so, what was said was said. You guys make the decision if you feel it was racist or what should happen to him. You know, I'm a football player. I'm going to continue to play football, you know, with my skin color and, you know, with my muscular build, as you guys say, with my wife at home, you know. So, you know, I'm a football player, and that was my dream. My dream was to play football, play in the NFL, and I'm going to continue to fulfill my dream.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: McNabb says he does not expect or need a personal apology from Rush Limbaugh.
All right, we have reaction now. On the phone is the host of the Frank Ski Morning Show here in Atlanta.
Frank, are you on the line?
FRANK SKI, HOST, V103 MORNING SHOW: I am right here with you.
COSTELLO: You been getting calls?
SKI: Have we! Since Sunday.
COSTELLO: You're kidding!
SKI: No, since Sunday. And...
COSTELLO: So, people became immediately angry after hearing this on Sunday.
SKI: Because I think, you know, a lot of people are really tired of having race interjected in sports at all. I think if anyplace, you know, race needs to be let go out of the equation it's definitely in the field of sports, you know, which is basically based upon your athleticism and how you do the game and how well you play. And there is so much emphasis put on sports now to be a -- quote -- "good citizen of sports." You know, play fair, play right.
COSTELLO: Well, you know, but there is some sentiment out there -- there is some sentiment out there, Frank, that people are being a little too sensitive about this.
Chris Berman (ph), I'm going to read you a quote from him: "As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears." He's talking about hearing Rush Limbaugh's statement while he was on the set with him. He says, "As 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."
Your response.
SKI: Well, I will tell you this: You know, Rush Limbaugh has made a history of being insensitive to people. So, I wouldn't say that that was necessarily the case. I think, you know, the hardest thing to find is when you become a host, whether it's to be a host of radio or be a host of television or a news person, such as yourself, sensitivity plays a big role. There are certain things we know we don't touch.
One of the things you learn not to touch is to put race in the equation as to somebody's credibility in what they do. And I think that is what the whole issue is about. The... COSTELLO: Well, along that same line, Frank, this is what Limbaugh also had to say. He said, in essence: "If people are so worked up about this, there must be some truth to it." He said that on his radio show in defense of himself.
SKI: I think some of the backlash could be as well the fact that a lot of people had a problem with Rush Limbaugh being a commentator for ESPN in the first place. And some people thought that that wasn't really the place for him.
And the question that I would put out there is: Could Rush have gotten his point across without using the word, "black?" Could he have gotten across by saying that maybe some of the news media wanted to see Donovan do well and not necessarily use the word, "black?"
COSTELLO: Yes, but wouldn't that have been being hypocritical? I mean, isn't it better that he come right out and say it?
SKI: No. Now he doesn't have a job because he said it.
COSTELLO: Yes, but at least he's being honest about however insensitive his feelings may really be, isn't it better he be completely honest about it and get it out there?
SKI: Well, how would you feel if all of a sudden one of our stations, CBS here or CNN there, said, well, you know, I just kind of think that maybe we shouldn't have a black announcer on there, because blah, blah, blah? I mean, you know, certain things you just have to keep out, whether or not that's the way you feel or not.
There are a lot of people in this country who are insensitive towards the plights of others or not emphatic, but that doesn't mean you need to say it in public, especially with the kind of impact that you have. Certain ones of us have to be careful about certain things we say, because our voice impacts so many. And I just personally think it was insensitive. Whether he should have quit or not, I don't know. But, I mean, he did what was best for him. And, I mean...
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Well, I think he did what was best for ESPN.
SKI: Yes, he probably did.
COSTELLO: Because just because he says he resigned doesnt mean ESPN didn't push him along the way. We don't know that for sure.
SKI: You know, what's interesting is the other news coming out about Rush Limbaugh and whether or not that is the case. And it's kind of like once you get in that media bulls-eye...
COSTELLO: Oh, we can't get into that.
SKI: Yes.
COSTELLO: We can't get into that, Frank, because CNN has not confirmed it. So, we're going to stay away from that for now, but we want to thank you.
SKI: I appreciate it, though.
COSTELLO: We appreciate your comments, too.
One more question before you go.
SKI: Sure.
COSTELLO: There were African-American commentators sitting on the set with Rush Limbaugh when he said this remark. Why didn't they say more about it?
SKI: I think -- my personal opinion is the same way it's done in a lot of places. I think it hit them, and it was such a big shock, because I will tell you, some of them are very vocal in what they say. But I think to an extent CNN (sic) has censored them in a way, of telling them, hey, listen, don't say anything, don't make this thing bigger than it is.
COSTELLO: You mean, ESPN, not CNN.
SKI: Oh, yes, CNN -- I'm sorry. You're right, ESPN. Yes, I think they were censored in a way. You know, I think Michael Irvin would have jumped out on it in a New York heartbeat.
COSTELLO: Yes, well, they were put in a hard spot, because, you know, you've got to play nice on the set with others, because sometimes that just makes you look worse.
SKI: You know, in the NFL right now on the field, you can get penalized for making a racial remark or an insensitive remark to another player on the field. So, you know if they're trying to crack down on it on the field, they're going to definitely try to do something about it on the broadcasts.
COSTELLO: Well, we hope so. Frank Ski from Atlanta's radio station V103, thanks so much for joining us this morning.
All right, we want to go to Philly now, because you know how passionate fans can be there.
Natasha Brown joins us now from outside of radio station KYW.
Natasha -- welcome.
I know there must be criticism for Donovan McNabb from fans. It's a tough sports town. But what are the fans saying about this?
NATASHA BROWN, KWY RADIO: Well, actually, we have been here all morning long at WIP sports radio, and they have definitely been talking about this latest revelation -- the alleged prescription drug abuse by Rush Limbaugh. They've been talking about it with fans. But, as you can imagine, and as you just mentioned, many of our fans, so passionate about football, they're more willing to talk this morning still about the racially-charged statement that Rush Limbaugh did make about Donovan McNabb. So, that is more of what we're hearing this morning.
As I'm sure you know, Rush Limbaugh is here in Philadelphia this morning. He's set to be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Broadcasters convention, a three-day-long convention. He is set to speak at 9:00 this morning, and his comments are said to last from 9:00 to 10:15.
We are, of course, going to be heading that way shortly, hoping to catch up with him, because no one has been able to get any comment that we know of yet about these latest revelations.
COSTELLO: Yes, only -- yes. I guess I was going to ask you if people were going to go to protest while he spoke. Any word of that?
BROWN: We haven't heard any word of that just yet. Again, many Philadelphians are still finding out about the "New York Daily News" article, and a lot of them are just finding out last night, from what we understand, about these latest allegations of drug abuse.
So, many of them are still finding out this morning, so we'll have to wait and see what's going to happen at the convention center today.
COSTELLO: All right, Natasha Brown from KYW in Philadelphia.
She mentioned a "New York Daily News" article. As I said, CNN has not confirmed the information in that article, so we are not going to air it just yet; we may throughout the day depending on what we find out. But if you want to find out what's in that article, it is online and it is from the "New York Daily News," because I don't want to keep you in suspense.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired October 2, 2003 - 06:31 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Blitzed, he quit. Rush Limbaugh has turned in his resignation to the ESPN sports show. He did that after making controversial remarks about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Here's what Limbaugh had to say about why he resigned. He says: "My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media, and were not racially motivated. I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret. I love 'NFL Sunday Countdown,' and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it. Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen."
ESPN also issued a statement. Here's what it said. It says: "We accept his resignation and regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."
In case you missed it, here's the comments last Sunday that started the whole mess.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSH LIMBAUGH, ESPN CONTRIBUTOR: You know, I think the sum total of what you're all saying is that Donovan McNabb is regressing. He's going backwards. And my -- I'm sorry to say this. I don't think he's been that good from the get-go. I think what we have here is a little social concern in the NFL. I think the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Donovan McNabb himself held his own forum for the media. He says he can shrug off criticism about his play, but he was upset that Limbaugh made it a racial issue. McNabb conveyed the message that he'll stick to what he knows best.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONOVAN MCNABB, EAGLES QUARTERBACK: I'm not here to judge anyone. You know, so, what was said was said. You guys make the decision if you feel it was racist or what should happen to him. You know, I'm a football player. I'm going to continue to play football, you know, with my skin color and, you know, with my muscular build, as you guys say, with my wife at home, you know. So, you know, I'm a football player, and that was my dream. My dream was to play football, play in the NFL, and I'm going to continue to fulfill my dream.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: McNabb says he does not expect or need a personal apology from Rush Limbaugh.
All right, we have reaction now. On the phone is the host of the Frank Ski Morning Show here in Atlanta.
Frank, are you on the line?
FRANK SKI, HOST, V103 MORNING SHOW: I am right here with you.
COSTELLO: You been getting calls?
SKI: Have we! Since Sunday.
COSTELLO: You're kidding!
SKI: No, since Sunday. And...
COSTELLO: So, people became immediately angry after hearing this on Sunday.
SKI: Because I think, you know, a lot of people are really tired of having race interjected in sports at all. I think if anyplace, you know, race needs to be let go out of the equation it's definitely in the field of sports, you know, which is basically based upon your athleticism and how you do the game and how well you play. And there is so much emphasis put on sports now to be a -- quote -- "good citizen of sports." You know, play fair, play right.
COSTELLO: Well, you know, but there is some sentiment out there -- there is some sentiment out there, Frank, that people are being a little too sensitive about this.
Chris Berman (ph), I'm going to read you a quote from him: "As cut and dry as it seems in print, I didn't think so when it went by my ears." He's talking about hearing Rush Limbaugh's statement while he was on the set with him. He says, "As 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."
Your response.
SKI: Well, I will tell you this: You know, Rush Limbaugh has made a history of being insensitive to people. So, I wouldn't say that that was necessarily the case. I think, you know, the hardest thing to find is when you become a host, whether it's to be a host of radio or be a host of television or a news person, such as yourself, sensitivity plays a big role. There are certain things we know we don't touch.
One of the things you learn not to touch is to put race in the equation as to somebody's credibility in what they do. And I think that is what the whole issue is about. The... COSTELLO: Well, along that same line, Frank, this is what Limbaugh also had to say. He said, in essence: "If people are so worked up about this, there must be some truth to it." He said that on his radio show in defense of himself.
SKI: I think some of the backlash could be as well the fact that a lot of people had a problem with Rush Limbaugh being a commentator for ESPN in the first place. And some people thought that that wasn't really the place for him.
And the question that I would put out there is: Could Rush have gotten his point across without using the word, "black?" Could he have gotten across by saying that maybe some of the news media wanted to see Donovan do well and not necessarily use the word, "black?"
COSTELLO: Yes, but wouldn't that have been being hypocritical? I mean, isn't it better that he come right out and say it?
SKI: No. Now he doesn't have a job because he said it.
COSTELLO: Yes, but at least he's being honest about however insensitive his feelings may really be, isn't it better he be completely honest about it and get it out there?
SKI: Well, how would you feel if all of a sudden one of our stations, CBS here or CNN there, said, well, you know, I just kind of think that maybe we shouldn't have a black announcer on there, because blah, blah, blah? I mean, you know, certain things you just have to keep out, whether or not that's the way you feel or not.
There are a lot of people in this country who are insensitive towards the plights of others or not emphatic, but that doesn't mean you need to say it in public, especially with the kind of impact that you have. Certain ones of us have to be careful about certain things we say, because our voice impacts so many. And I just personally think it was insensitive. Whether he should have quit or not, I don't know. But, I mean, he did what was best for him. And, I mean...
(CROSSTALK)
COSTELLO: Well, I think he did what was best for ESPN.
SKI: Yes, he probably did.
COSTELLO: Because just because he says he resigned doesnt mean ESPN didn't push him along the way. We don't know that for sure.
SKI: You know, what's interesting is the other news coming out about Rush Limbaugh and whether or not that is the case. And it's kind of like once you get in that media bulls-eye...
COSTELLO: Oh, we can't get into that.
SKI: Yes.
COSTELLO: We can't get into that, Frank, because CNN has not confirmed it. So, we're going to stay away from that for now, but we want to thank you.
SKI: I appreciate it, though.
COSTELLO: We appreciate your comments, too.
One more question before you go.
SKI: Sure.
COSTELLO: There were African-American commentators sitting on the set with Rush Limbaugh when he said this remark. Why didn't they say more about it?
SKI: I think -- my personal opinion is the same way it's done in a lot of places. I think it hit them, and it was such a big shock, because I will tell you, some of them are very vocal in what they say. But I think to an extent CNN (sic) has censored them in a way, of telling them, hey, listen, don't say anything, don't make this thing bigger than it is.
COSTELLO: You mean, ESPN, not CNN.
SKI: Oh, yes, CNN -- I'm sorry. You're right, ESPN. Yes, I think they were censored in a way. You know, I think Michael Irvin would have jumped out on it in a New York heartbeat.
COSTELLO: Yes, well, they were put in a hard spot, because, you know, you've got to play nice on the set with others, because sometimes that just makes you look worse.
SKI: You know, in the NFL right now on the field, you can get penalized for making a racial remark or an insensitive remark to another player on the field. So, you know if they're trying to crack down on it on the field, they're going to definitely try to do something about it on the broadcasts.
COSTELLO: Well, we hope so. Frank Ski from Atlanta's radio station V103, thanks so much for joining us this morning.
All right, we want to go to Philly now, because you know how passionate fans can be there.
Natasha Brown joins us now from outside of radio station KYW.
Natasha -- welcome.
I know there must be criticism for Donovan McNabb from fans. It's a tough sports town. But what are the fans saying about this?
NATASHA BROWN, KWY RADIO: Well, actually, we have been here all morning long at WIP sports radio, and they have definitely been talking about this latest revelation -- the alleged prescription drug abuse by Rush Limbaugh. They've been talking about it with fans. But, as you can imagine, and as you just mentioned, many of our fans, so passionate about football, they're more willing to talk this morning still about the racially-charged statement that Rush Limbaugh did make about Donovan McNabb. So, that is more of what we're hearing this morning.
As I'm sure you know, Rush Limbaugh is here in Philadelphia this morning. He's set to be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Broadcasters convention, a three-day-long convention. He is set to speak at 9:00 this morning, and his comments are said to last from 9:00 to 10:15.
We are, of course, going to be heading that way shortly, hoping to catch up with him, because no one has been able to get any comment that we know of yet about these latest revelations.
COSTELLO: Yes, only -- yes. I guess I was going to ask you if people were going to go to protest while he spoke. Any word of that?
BROWN: We haven't heard any word of that just yet. Again, many Philadelphians are still finding out about the "New York Daily News" article, and a lot of them are just finding out last night, from what we understand, about these latest allegations of drug abuse.
So, many of them are still finding out this morning, so we'll have to wait and see what's going to happen at the convention center today.
COSTELLO: All right, Natasha Brown from KYW in Philadelphia.
She mentioned a "New York Daily News" article. As I said, CNN has not confirmed the information in that article, so we are not going to air it just yet; we may throughout the day depending on what we find out. But if you want to find out what's in that article, it is online and it is from the "New York Daily News," because I don't want to keep you in suspense.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
