ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown thread (Rush update)

10/05/03 | Andy from Beaverton

[Andy from Beaverton]

Is anybody watching the show? Can you believe what they are saying? Talking about stabing someone in the back!

[headsonpikes]

Pussy Panel bump.

[smith288]

http://espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/espntv.html

Voice your displeasure

[Viva Le Dissention]

Maybe it's just me being from the South and all, but I really didn't see anything wrong with what Rush said.

When I watched the show last week, I was surprised he said it, but there's probably at least some degree of truth to it.

But it shouldn't have surprised anyone that ESPN didn't stick up for him--after all, they did fire him/force him to resign. What did surprise me was how badly they kicked him when he was down.

[NittanyLion]

Yes, it was embarrassing to watch. Talk about melodramatic nonsense.

Steve Young was the only one who acted reasonable, saying that what Rush overlooked was that the QB position hasn't been about race for many years. For the most part I agree.

[tndarlin]

Those ratings increases must have been a real burden too.

Can someone track their ratings? Also, I have been searching for a forum on ESPN for feedback. Anyone have a link to send our regards?

[AAABEST]

TURN THEM OFF FOREVER

[Treeless Branch]

It is so funny to see these so called tough guys literally
crying about (1) how insensitive they are for not realizing how racist Rush's comments were and (2) how offended they are about the comments.

I think it is pitiful how our society applauds grown men for being "offended."

The kicker, Jackson said he forgot that he was black until Limbaugh reminded him. I guess he does not have any mirrors in his house.

[Pukin Dog]

Rush Limbaugh is the last bastion of free speech left in this country. Had it not been for the fact that he owns his own show, he would have been forced off the air decades ago.

It is more important now than ever that all people who want freedom of speech in this country support Rush at this time. We dont have anyone else who can stand up to this barrage of political correctness.

If Rush turns out to be addicted to drugs, then dammit, he will be MY drug addict, and I will stand behind him no matter what.

[KC_Conspirator]

It sounds like they are blaming Rush for hurting the image and the fun of the show. I am not sure the rumors are true, but I heard Tom Jackson almost offered and ultimatim to get Rush off the show. I will most likely not watch this crappy show from now on - not to mention the Swami is an awful predictor of games and is 5-13 in games he's picked so far this year.

[Treeless Branch]

I have read that Rush told the cast and crew beforehand that he was going to say those things.

Has that been confirmed?

[megasteve]

What a disguting display of backstabbing on ESPN. Listening to those morons making social commentary just made me want to puke. And to do it when Rush wasn't there to defend himself. I hope Rush comes out guns a blazin on Monday. Biggest pussy had to be Chris Berman. And that idiot Tom Jackson with the " a little boy called me to ask if it was OK to be a black quarterback" -paraphrasing-. Ughhhhh!!!
And please, no "Boycott ESPN" threats. Just wish there was someone there to give it right back to these hypocrites. "Ohh Rush , your remarks were insensitive." What a bunch of pantywaists.

[TheStickman]

Welp, I had pretty much decided that our family wasn't going to watch ESPN for at least a year since they caved and Rush *resigned*. Then I thought I would watch the opening segment to see if they would deal with the issue like adults or like PC-diapered infants. Unfortunately, they behaved like the later. The tone was either over-the-top indignance or glum saddness.

So now, I've decided that I will NEVER watch ESPN again. No matter if my beloved Browns are playing (as they are tonight) or if my alma mater, Marshall University is playing...if ESPN is airing the game we ain't watching.

Moreover, I wish I had the $$$ to buy a 30 second spot to run that says, "The cowardice of ESPN regarding discussions of race in America is NOT the opinion of the majority of sports fans and Americans in general. Watch Fox Sports Net instead!"

[smith288]

The Swami defended Rush. Before this huge outcray occured, he said he understood what Rush was saying even though he disagreed with him. He said there wasnt racism in his comment...but now all of a sudden there is???

Shame on Chris Berman. Shame on Tom Jackson and shame on hypocrite Michael Irvin.

[org.whodat]

thought Tom Jackson was the worst.

What Jackson really thinks is that all teams should have at least two white player's.

[KC_Conspirator]

Maybe it's just me being from the South and all, but I really didn't see anything wrong with what Rush said.

Nor did I, except that I think McNabb is better than Rush gives him credit for. One of the guys in my reserve unit, a black man, said he did'nt think there was anything wrong with it as well.

[leadpenny]

I don't think it's just you. Take a look at this thread from this morning:

The curious parallel universe of liberal fly-bitten canker-blossoms

[TeleStraightShooter]

He is kicking himself in the butt for not speaking up at the time.

I wonder if:
1 ) he arrived at that conclusion by himself
2 ) he arrived at that conclusion with a lot of help from hatefull others.

I conjecture it was mostly the 2nd proposition.
He looked whipped to me.

[Lexington Green]

Good-bye Countdown.

[KC_Conspirator]

The numbers for NFL countdown were up 10% as a whole and up 25% in the coveted 24-35 age bracket, which is the big bracket for advertisers.