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CNN Live At Daybreak

Rush Limbaugh Resigns from ESPN Show

Aired October 02, 2003 - 05:02   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: Rush Limbaugh has resigned from the ESPN show where he made those controversial remarks about Philadelphia Eagle's quarterback Donovan McNabb. On the network's NFL pre-game show on Sunday, Limbaugh said McNabb was overrated because he's black.
In a statement released last night, Limbaugh said, "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 become 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 issued its own statement on Limbaugh. It says, and I quote, "We accept his resignation and regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."

CNN's Michael Okwu looks at what ignited the controversy and the reaction that fanned the flames.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If ESPN was looking for buzz in giving conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh a commentary job, they found it. Sunday, Limbaugh said Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb is overrated because he's black.

RUSH LIMBAUGH, POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. For instance, black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well...

OKWU: Wednesday, McNabb said it's a sad step backwards.

DONOVAN MCNABB, EAGLES' QUARTERBACK: It's pretty, pretty heavy. You know, it's something, obviously, that I've been going through ever since I was young, you know, through high school, through college and through the NFL. But, you know, you figured that it would have been over by now.

OKWU: The thorny subject was issue number one on talk radio.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, these guys, I don't know if they're doing this for ratings or if this is just still just 1954. It's hard for me to understand. I just don't, I don't understand it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't get angry with a skunk for stinking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Um-hmm?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't get angry with a dog for barking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So don't get angry if Rush Limbaugh says something that's racist.

OKWU: From McNabb's teammates, outrages and incredulity, despite the quarterback's shaky start this season. A three time pro-Bowler, McNabb has lead the Eagles to two consecutive NFC title games.

TROY VINCENT, EAGLES' CORNERBACK: Does Rush care? Maybe not. You know, that's what they paid him to come on the set to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And just before announcing his resignation, Limbaugh defended his comments on his nationally syndicated radio show. He said, "All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something."

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 - 05:02   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Rush Limbaugh has resigned from the ESPN show where he made those controversial remarks about Philadelphia Eagle's quarterback Donovan McNabb. On the network's NFL pre-game show on Sunday, Limbaugh said McNabb was overrated because he's black.
In a statement released last night, Limbaugh said, "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 become 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 issued its own statement on Limbaugh. It says, and I quote, "We accept his resignation and regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."

CNN's Michael Okwu looks at what ignited the controversy and the reaction that fanned the flames.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If ESPN was looking for buzz in giving conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh a commentary job, they found it. Sunday, Limbaugh said Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb is overrated because he's black.

RUSH LIMBAUGH, POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. For instance, black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well...

OKWU: Wednesday, McNabb said it's a sad step backwards.

DONOVAN MCNABB, EAGLES' QUARTERBACK: It's pretty, pretty heavy. You know, it's something, obviously, that I've been going through ever since I was young, you know, through high school, through college and through the NFL. But, you know, you figured that it would have been over by now.

OKWU: The thorny subject was issue number one on talk radio.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, these guys, I don't know if they're doing this for ratings or if this is just still just 1954. It's hard for me to understand. I just don't, I don't understand it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't get angry with a skunk for stinking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Um-hmm?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't get angry with a dog for barking.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So don't get angry if Rush Limbaugh says something that's racist.

OKWU: From McNabb's teammates, outrages and incredulity, despite the quarterback's shaky start this season. A three time pro-Bowler, McNabb has lead the Eagles to two consecutive NFC title games.

TROY VINCENT, EAGLES' CORNERBACK: Does Rush care? Maybe not. You know, that's what they paid him to come on the set to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And just before announcing his resignation, Limbaugh defended his comments on his nationally syndicated radio show. He said, "All this has become the tempest that it is because I must have been right about something."

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com