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NFL Union Boss Rips Rush 'Hatred'

Exec director urges players to speak up about Limbaugh's potential Rams purchase

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 12, 2009 3:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – An email from the head of the NFL players union has blasted a potential purchase of the Rams by Rush Limbaugh, complaining that the right-winger's brand of "hatred and discrimination" have no place in sports. "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," said the email from DeMaurice Smith to the executive committee of the Rams union.

Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are among six potential groups that have discussed buying the St. Louis team. At least 7 players have already spoken out against Limbaugh. Smith acknowledged yesterday that players have no real power to block a purchase, but he encouraged team members to speak out.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

The executive director of the NFL players union spoke out against a potential purchase of the Rams by Rush Limbaugh, saying sports should "transcend" discrimination and hatred. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has expressed an interest in buying the St. Louis Rams. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

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We 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. - NFL players union executive director DeMaurice Smith

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NFL Union Boss Rips Rush 'Hatred'