Sestak writes Rooney on Limbaugh

Timothy McNulty | October 14, 2009

Rush Limbaugh is nowhere near owning an NFL franchise -- readers may remember all the hurdles facing the new Steelers owners before they were approved, and how commissioner Roger Goodell has signaled he's against it -- but that's not stopping Joe Sestak from issuing a news release on the matter.

The Senate hopeful sent letters to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, mentioning Limbaugh's comments about QB Donovan McNabb in 2003, and Steelers chairman emeritus (not chairman, as Sestak calls him) Dan Rooney, mentioning his commitment to supporting minority coaches.

Here's the full Rooney letter:

Congressman Sestak Urges Lurie and Rooney to Oppose Limbaugh Mr. Dan Rooney

Chairman

Pittsburgh Steelers

3400 South Water Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203-2349

Dear Mr. Rooney,

I am writing to express my support of the NFL Players Association and Indianapolis Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay in publicly opposing Rush Limbaugh's attempt to acquire one of the league's 32 valued franchises. Mr. Limbaugh's history of racially-toned and divisive comments is appalling. As organizations across the country make strides toward equality and we witness the breaking of artificial barriers such as race, gender and ethnicity, Mr. Limbaugh's offensive tirades should not receive the platform of one of our country's most popular and defining institutions.

You and your family have demonstrated a commitment to fairness and accountability as leading statesmen for the National Football League. The establishment of the "Rooney Rule" to ensure fair opportunities for minority coaches in our most prominent sport shows your commitment to ensuring that the NFL reflects our highest ideals. I urge you to oppose Limbaugh's efforts.

When Mr. Limbaugh unfortunately received an opportunity to pontificate to the NFL's huge and diverse fan base as a pregame-show commentator in 2003, he targeted quarterback Donovan McNabb saying that he received undeserved credit for the Philadelphia Eagles' performance because of his race. Limbaugh offered no remorse or even a hint that he understood the absurdity and inappropriateness of his commentary.

NFL teams and the league as a whole have an impact on our society beyond the games on the field. Rush Limbaugh preaches values diametrically opposed to those of the Steelers and the NFL. He represents a faction that constantly attempts to create divisions among us, whether by race, politics or other means. His entry into the league will send a message to its vast number of followers -- including millions of young people -- that the NFL accepts his past remarks, such as those directed at one of your players, and is prepared to associate with his often-reprehensible statements.

I hope that the current NFL owners will pledge to thwart any attempt by Mr. Limbaugh to purchase a franchise.

Sincerely,

Joe Sestak