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Rush Limbaugh's interest in buying the NFL's St. Louis Rams has riled both the NFL Players executive director and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, both of whom want the league to think twice before accepting the conservative radio host's offer.
In a letter written to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Sharpton requests a meeting to urge the blocking of any potential bid by Limbaugh, stating it would be bad for the league.
In the letter, Rev. Sharpton also praises NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith for publicly asking that the league seek to unify, not divide, by rejecting any bid by Limbaugh.
In an e-mail to the union's executive committee on Saturday, Smith said specifically of Limbaugh's bid, "I've spoken to the Commissioner [Roger Goodell] and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred."
Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are among six potential ownership groups that have discussed buying the Rams. League sources tell ESPN.com the current sale price has ranged from $700-to-$750 million but that there did not appear to be an imminent transaction.
Meanwhile, at least seven NFL players have publicly opposed Limbaugh's interest in purchasing the Rams with Checketts. In Smith's communication Saturday with his executive committee, the union leader encouraged players to speak their mind on all matters, including Limbaugh's bid.
"I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL," said Smith in the e-mail. "They risk everything to play this game, they understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life. We also know that there is an ugly part of history and we will not risk going backwards, giving up, giving in or lying down to it.
"Our men are strong and proud sons, fathers, spouses and I am proud when they stand up, understand this is their profession and speak with candor and blunt honesty about how they feel."
