Rush: Can't say anything until cleared by lawyer

Rush Limbaugh Show ^ | 10/6/03 | LS

[LS]

Rush just said that contrary to many of the comments here, he could not address the drug assertions until cleared to do so by his lawyer. He reiterated "trust me," and strongly implied he could deny everything, but was prohibited from talking about it at all by his attorney.

[massadvj]

Hate to say it but I think Rush ginned up this whole Donovan McNabb flap to deflect the drug story, which still could be a career ender, very Clintonesque IMO

Congratulations. You get the award for most asinine statement of the day.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Taking one of your husband's prescribed painkillers for dental work you had on Friday, that began bothering you on Saturday when all the Novocaine wore off could be construed by a prosecutor as "illegally using painkillers" by a prosecutor.

[xzins]

Excellent advice. I hope he follows it.

There is absolutely nothing gained. I already know that there's a rotten fish smell exuding from the yellow National Enquirer newprint on which the accusations are written.

[MarkL]

I find it difficult to imagine, how an INNOCENT man can be impacted by ANYTHING he may say about "FALSE" charges against him....

You would think, that if he were TOTALLY innocent of the illegal purchase of drugs from his former maid - he would deny the charges (at the least) or call her a liar (my approach).

I have to agree with Rush on his not saying a word, because there are actually two different issues here. The first is the legal issue, which will be addressed. The second is the fact that the media would LOVE to destroy Rush's career, and would twist anything he says to discredit him. I'm familiar with the latter... I made the terrible mistake of agreeing to an interview with a news reporter just before the Brady Bill went to a vote. This horrible news reporter from Kansas City, Bev Chapman, kept pressing me, over and over again, asking why I opposed a waiting period. I told her the same thing, at least 3 or 4 times, that a waiting period would do nothing to decrease crime, and that the Brady Bill was useless. She kept going after me, finally asking what I had against a waiting period. Unfortunately I let my guard down for an instant, and said something dumb... That I had nothing against a waiting period, but that it would do nothing to curb the illegal use of guns. Of course, all they showed on the news was my saying, "I have nothing against a waiting period." I called the TV station the next day and demanded a retraction, since what had been put on the air was taken completely out of context, but I was told "Tough! You said it!" And the newspaper (the KC Red Star) refused to print a letter I wrote on the op-ed page either.

Not speaking to the press is the best thing that anyone can do: If you do go to the press, I perfectly understand why people read from prepared statements!

Mark

[JimFreedom]

Hear Hear!

RUSH is pretty brilliant this afternoon as he makes the ESPN staff look so SMALL, as he continues to not say anything BAD about what they did Sunday, they didn't even tell him to his face what was going to happen. He has told some interesting inside information and is being in general a class act which is what I expected.

There is an element here that is self-righteous. I am so tired about Rush being a BLOWHARD and SHAWN having no brains. I really think it is envy, I ADMIRE there success and they always make me think about what I could do or could have done to be as successful. I am glad that BOTH do so much with the three hours each are given each weekday to shine the light of truth and common sense, as the rats scurry for cover!

Back to lunch!

[Tall_Texan]

In the last 10-20 years, say I've been totally "clean"/perfect in terms of something like drugs. But I can't make a categorical statement "I've never 'done' painkillers (or 'abused' painkillers)" because right away, a prosecutor---EVEN IF YOU ARE INNOCENT---can hone in on "done," "abused" or "painkillers." See where you are? Already, you are possibly in jeapordy of perjury if it turns out that you took a quaalude (even by accident) that you forgot about, or if you legally took painkillers (but didn't "abuse them"---yet that's up for debate from a prosecutor.

But there's a difference between what you say under oath and what you say for public discourse. A vague denial at least casts doubt on the veracity of the story. If Rush won't do it, Roy Black should and if neither is doing it, then public perception will quickly conclude that the accusations must be (for the most part) true.

[Fred Mertz]

I heard his comments. I believe he is being muzzled by his attorney for 'legal' reasons; in my mind he said that without using those words. He sounds sincere when he says 'trust me' that he'll let his listeners know the story when the time is right.

I think he's really sweating bullets.

[Howlin]

You are not wrong.

[pgkdan]

even saw people saying "if he's innocent, why'd he hire a criminal lawyer?"

I know...that's about the stupidest thing anyone could say about an accused innocent.

I'm with Rush, I've trusted, admired and liked him for more than 10 years and I ain't stopping now.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

If Rush takes illegal prescription drugs it would hardly be a career ender.

I tend to agree [assuming he didn't resell to others], but would rephrase your statment to read "if Rush illegally obtained prescription drugs . . . "

[Destructor]

Well,- DUH! Those of you that put any stock in these bullshit allegations are straight up SUCKERS! Common sense truly is the rarest of all virutes!!

[Howlin]

As someone else has pointed out, there are no "charges" to be denied.

So you suggest that Rush wait until somebody files formal papers against him in a court of law before he says anything?

[hadnuf]

Have I listened to Rush for almost 15 years and believed he was smart? Yes.

Do I think he is smart today? Yes.

Why would I now distrust his (smart) decision to wait until he knows more to inform his (demanding) listeners?

I think he is just being smart.

I had to learn alot of patience during the previous two administrations. I think I can wait until Rush has enough information that he feels he can share. Until then, I will continue to think about and trust his apt analysis.

[AppyPappy]

He was trying very hard not to sound Clintonesque.

[Howlin]

Now that is funny!

[ProfoundMan]

Well said. Further, let's not forget that the ESPN flap is all about getting spanked for just opening your mouth. After such an ordeal, why would anyone with half a brain speak at all about a potentially litigious situation (even if the other half is tied behind your back)?

Rush is handling this like the class act he is. Time will tell if that's enough.

[ordinaryguy]

Huh? He could be put under oath for a deposition, interrogatories, etc. That doesn't put him in jeopardy of perjury charges if he accidently makes a false statement on his show, because he isn't under oath while doing his show.

Sorry, but he isn't keeping his mouth shut due to fear of perjury charges.

[cherry]

Mac was NOT on steroids....he used an over the counter nutrition enhancer that is sold world wide, including at PX 's and Bx's , Costco, etc....

the use of the word "steroids" in athletics is typically referring to the illegal prescribing of anabolic steroids ....

plus....Mac was always a huge, strong guy, and hit many home runs before his record setting year, but his biggest problem was repeated injuries...strength was not his problem.....

[Howlin]

would be the first to criticize the double standard about race, and how lawyeers eat you up

You mean like Rush use to say?

[samantha]

Right, and we must all remember that Rush comes from a family of lawyers including his brother David. Anyone that has ever traded prescription drugs to family or friends,a keflex here,a zyrtec there,a vioxx or two for pain over there should never answer questions like Rush has to without an attorney. It is an eye opener to see how much this is done because of the ever increasing prescription drugs costs.