Rush Limbaugh
Resigns From ESPN

Rush Limbaugh, nationally-syndicated radio talk show host and sports commentator for ESPN, resigned from ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” on October 1 after receiving criticism for comments he made about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Limbaugh joined “Sunday NFL Countdown” this season as a studio analyst. During the September 28th show, he made the following statements about the struggling quarterback:

“I think what we’ve had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. They’re interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well. I think there is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of the credit for the performance of this team that he didn’t deserve. The defense carried this team.”

McNabb, who is off to the worst start of his career, addressed the issue at a press conference on October 1.

“It’s pretty heavy,” McNabb said. “It’s something that I have been going through ever since high school. You figure it would have been over by now...I’m sure he’s not the only one that feels that way, but it’s somewhat shocking to actually hear it on national TV.”

Following Limbaugh’s resignation, George Bodenheimer, President of ABC and ESPN, said, “We regret the circumstances surrounding this. We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously."