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With the Rams up for sale there is a lot of interest in who will become the next owner of the franchise. Dave Checketts has already announced that he is trying to put together a group to buy the Rams from the Rosenbloom family. As I stated in a previous article, by himself he cannot purchase the franchise without having someone else with more significant wealth than Checketts come and join him in the effort. One name to keep an eye on is conservative talk show pundit Rush Limbaugh.
Limbaugh's net worth is not known because he is not tied to any publicly owned company and does not have to report his income. But what is known is that he has made over $300 million dollars in salary and bonuses in the past decade alone. It is believed that Limbaugh is close to, if not, being a billionaire. That certainly puts him into the ownership ballpark. As far what cash he has on hand it is obviously not known, but it is believed that it will take a minimum of $250 million cash and some financing to make the offer for the Rams.
When Georgia Frontiere passed away and the team was rumored to be for sale at that time, Limbaugh did express interest in owning an NFL franchise. In an article from the St. Louis Business Journal Limbaugh was quoted as saying "The Rams would be a great team to have. I have a lot of friends in ownership of the NFL, and my desire to get involved has not been a secret."
Limbaugh does have some local ties, being born in Cape Giradeau and he has a cousin who presides over the federal courts in downtown St. Louis. So Limbaugh has the ties, he has the interest and he reportedly has the money. So it is a possibility that he could be part of the Checketts group. What would it mean if Limbaugh would become the point man and would take over as the Rams owner?
Because he is such a politically charged figure I will state where I am coming from, politically, so no one can read anything more into this than what I am saying. My views are pretty different than Rush's. I would say we differ on 80-90% of what he espouses every day on the airwaves. I believe that he is not good for this country, in that he would much rather be right than do what is right for this country. But this is the United States and as far as I am concerned he has every right to say whatever he wants. He is clearly a great infotainer and is vastly successful at what he does. I know there would be a segment of the population who would swear off the Rams forever if he became the owner, but even though I disagree with his views I would not necessarily not be happy with him as owner of the Rams.
The most important thing that I want to see out of any owner that comes in is to first stabilize the franchise and keep the team in St. Louis. Second I want to see that the new owner wants to do everything in his power to make the team a success on the field. That is it. I believe that is all you can ask for out of any ownership group. If Rush wants to do those two things and buy the Rams then I will be behind him.
There are obviously a few obstacles in the way if that is the path we are headed down. First I don't know how comfortable the NFL is with Limbaugh after the ugly incident with Limbaugh and Donovan McNabb on ESPN. They may not want an owner that is that controversial. He could become Mark Cuban times a thousand and I don't know if the other NFL owners would want that. Second, I don't know if the Rosenblooms would want to sell the franchise to someone like Limbaugh. I don't know their political beliefs but trust me when I say that the selling of the Rams is very personal to Chip and Lucia. They have to make a business decision, but they do want to make sure the franchise grows and honors their late mother. I also don't know what Stan Kroenke would have to say about it, because he does have veto power on any ownership change.
Being an owner of a professional sports team does not mean you are immune from the political arena. George Bush once owned the Texas Rangers. Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt has been a big contributor to Bush and the Republican party through the years. Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney was a huge supporter for Barack Obama and has been named as an ambassador to Ireland because of his support. I suspect there are a few Steelers fans who aren't Obama fans. I know there are a few Cardinals fans who weren't Bush fans. Just because you support a team doesn't mean you have to agree with ownership's political views. I actually believe that Limbaugh could become a good owner for the Rams. If he wants to keep the team here and put a winner out on the field I would pledge my support for Limbaugh no matter what my political beliefs are.
Comments
That would certainly light a fire under the backside of players and coaches! Can you imagine the venomous spew coming out of his mouth after a loss? He would not tolerate a losing team. He wants to be a winner. I'm a tree hugging, pro choice, live and let live guy, so to say I don't like his political agenda is an understatement. But, as an owner, he would be awesome because he cares.
Now to really put you to sleep: There I was, BYU, walked on the field, the coach lined up 5 rows deep of guys who weighed 400 lbs more than me. I did a superman leap over the 40 men in front of me, scored a touchdown, field goal and extra point all at the same time and the coach put me on the squad.
I have been a Rams fan for 35 years and if Rush Limfat owned or is part owner of this team I will totally be against the St. Louis Rams.
Yo, Blackgold. If you stop liking a team because of the owner, would you stop liking America if Rush became president?
George "The Baby Bush" owned the Texass Rangers ?? dude your are so off base when it is well known he owned less than 5%, as for as Limbaugh even being a part owner even 1% of the Rams, I (we) will totally Boycott maybe even hold LARGE Protests until the Arrogant, Crude Drug Addicted Scum consedes his total lifetime FAILURE, so what will he do ? get the Millions of ELDERLY PEOPLE out to Confront US ?
bring it on
Hey, Mr. Klutsarits. Was this really neccessary
"he would much rather be right than do what is right for this country. That is such lie. Rush doesn't tell everyone all of what he does for this country...You obviously don't know him.
As long as he keeps his political views away from the team and the fans, let him buy it.
To Rightwinger: If America became a country where Rush Limbaugh could become president (not that he would actually seek a position of real responsibility - its easier to just talk about those who do have it) I would be arranging my passport and booking the next flight on El-Al.
Wow, such hate for a man that could save the Rams from leaving St. Louis (a city that is struggling and would be hurt greatly with them leaving) and who genuinely enjoys football. I think he'd be a great owner no matter what his opinion is. Personally I don't care too much who the owner is as long as they enjoyed the sport and did what was best for the team.
Oh, if you think this hate toward Rush is bad, Just imagine if an obvious Christian were the target! Whew...would these lefties eat him alive!
if rush has the cash let him buy it! unless klutsaritis has the cash put it up, or shut up, you're nobody!
I would never pay a nickle to watch the Rams again!!!!!As a original PSL owner, I wouldgive up my tickets in a heartbeat!!
Thanks for the responses. A couple quick responses to the comment gallery...
Trust me Sez. If I had the billions I would buy the Rams in a heratbeat. Maybe that does make me a nobody but oh well.
To Fe: If Bush owned any part of the Rangers that would still make him an owner correct?
To Frank: I have listened to him enough to form an opinion. It is my opinion and I choose not to listen to him. Doesn't make me wrong or right just makes it my opinion. I respect yours as well.
To everyone else thanks for reading and I appreciate your feedback, even if you don't agree with me.
TK
Right-winger
It is not whether I would stop liking the US if Limfat became Prez but it's the embarrassment this egotistic SOB would eventually bring to this GREAT CITY. Athletes are torn down and are an embarrassment to their team over drug use and rightfully so, we may see how it works when owners abuse it or if he become Prez he can make it legal.
The rams have been my team since I chose a team when I was 7 in 1982. If the fat drug addict becomes our owner, I will quit being a fan until he sells!!!!!
I cant stand the Rams now, but if Rush bought the team...sign me up...brilliant man, GREAT Ameican. 99% of the people that hate him and have probably not listened to him other than what the AP reports. If he did buy the Rams and the idiots who said they would never buy a ticket again. I'm sure the $5 your uneducated and uninformed self would spend at the stadium will not be missed. GOOD RIDENCE
The rams have been my team since I was 7 in 1982. I would hate for that to change.
Sign me up, I cant stand the Rams and have only routed for them when Kurt was here but is Rush buys them...I WILL BE AT EVERY GAME..He is the only honest GOP guy out there, call him egotistical if you want but hes on the money on most issues, highly intelligent and good man just using his freedom of speech and THANK GOD, thats right GOD...Rush, hope we welcome you as part owner very soon.
I'm a right winger, and I wouldn't care if Barack Obama bought the Rams, as long as his two main focuses were to keep the Rams in St. Louis and bring the city a winner. Who cares if Rush buys?
See Tim thats the problem. If you like the idea you have to make sure everyone knows you don't agree with Rush on politics. Who cares? I bet Rush would be a great owner because he loves football. Wow this country is getting scary.
Get a grip on yourself people. You are all so hateful. The reality is the majority of the individuals who actually pay taxes will be the ones at the games. Not the people who don't contribute to society.
As a 49er fan I hate the Rams.
I like Rush and would welcome him to the NFL.
My regret is that since Rush is the shinning example of sucess from hard work that he would infuse that into the sorry Rams.
Rush should buy the 49ers and get the 49ers back to promonance not seen since Eddie D ran the show.
Rush to the 49ers would be a win/win. A upgrade of ownership and seeing the whacko San Fran politico scene go irrate over him.
Rush would be a terrific NFL owner. His politics are contained in a different arena -- radio entertainment. ESPN hired him in the era of looking for something different. After all, its parent company also hired Dennis Miller as a MNF commentator. Think about it from this perspective, too -- Dan Rooney, owner of Rush's favorite NFL team, is a huge Obama supporter. Have we heard Rush's politics factor into rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nope. So for those naysayers, put aside your politics. Sports is one of those areas where we can all be as one. If Rush can for the Steelers in the next booth over from one of Obama's ambassadors and political cronies, well so too can you, a Rams fan, root along side whoever ends up owning the team.
Let's see...the prospect of an owner who loves football and is interested in winning footbal games. If St. Louis has too many of these people the fans in Detroit will be more than happy to take one of the extras off you hands
I am a diehard fan but,if this drug addict,anti-american, slob buys them I will drop my Direct TV and burn all my Rams stuff. What a shame this has come to this.
I know that politics and football don't mix, which is exactly why, after forty years of being a Rams fan, I could not stomach it. So much money, so many ways a man like Limbaugh tries to manipulate public opinion. The Rams would represent a point of propaganda for the Right—not just the favorite football team of a 53 year old man weaned on George Allen's tough, tough never-say-die 1969 team. As it is, Fox News inserts its will into the Fox Sports Network all around the country. I hear baseball commentators insert right-wing conservative ideals into their sports commentary.
I am not a Texas Rangers fan, but W. was—first and foremost—a businessman. Rush does not have the same limitations. Rush is not beyond using his private plaything to advance a political cause. That crosses the line with me. I simply fear Rush would use me in the pursuit of his political agenda. I choose to exclude him from my life as he has chosen to exclude others from his.
Enough said.
I think its great,
Maybe he could use his anger that he has hidden inside him to make a winning team.
We know he's an outspoken obtrusive Conservative,but maybe football is the thing for him. I say why not. He's sure got the Anger for It. This could help his anger management. Why Not!
I think Football is a place for Pricks. I don't think Rush would have a problem fitting in.
Well, lets see he's a jerk, most coaches are jerks. I doubt that he'd have a problem. Obviously he's got the bad temper down. HE's a very hateful person. I think He'd do great.
Speaking of anger, look at some of the posts here and the obvious hate for Limbaugh.
It is good that Mr. Klutsarits is able to put the politics aside or out of the equation, as the bottom line is an owner who loves the game of football. Anyone that has listened to Limbaugh should know he does love football with a passion. I will say that I think Mr. Klutsarits may not understand at least with Limbaugh, the difference of doing what is right, and being right...and not compromising beliefs. Seeing the big picture and long term is important, because what seems right, right now, could be wrong long term and I think any owner group needs needs to be able to work that way.
Who cares! This does not effect my life or anyone elses. Furthermore, it has nothing to do with politics except for the fact that Rush is a commentator, not a politician. If the man has the money and the desire, sell the team to him.
I do find it quite funny how so many of you Rush haters that are posting comments don't know how to spell, nor do you make any attempt to use proper grammar. Love him or hate him, he isn't going away.
"Who cares! This does not effect my life or anyone elses. Furthermore, it has nothing to do with politics except for the fact that Rush is a commentator, not a politician. If the man has the money and the desire, sell the team to him.
I do find it quite funny how so many of you Rush haters that are posting comments don't know how to spell, nor do you make any attempt to use proper grammar. Love him or hate him, he isn't going away."
Seriously, get a life! The NFL board of governors would never approve Limburger as an owner after the ESPN incident.
A losing team and now a loser trying to be an owner. Perfect match. This ignorant bum (Rush) does not deserve to be a part of an American sport. His racist ideas have no place in sport. No Rush, the black players can ride on the same bus with the white players and you can't change that even if you do own the team!
I have been a Rams fan almost all my life. I want another Super Bowl. And Rush will be the man to do it so drop all your politics and get on the road to success. Rams need somthing new there the worse team in football maybe in history. So Rush hury up already buy them and lets start winning again.....
They should all quit and go on strike if Rush becomes their
owner. He does not stand for America. Football is an all
America sport. This would be so horrible if they let him
own them. Look what a horrible person he is.
No I have to walk away if I were this team.
I cannot believe this person is on the radio he spills so
much hatred. Rams run and run fast don't let this horrid
person own your team. Stand up for what is right.
I would not support any team he is associated with.
I've been listening to him for years to see what the enemy is saying. I think he's a rascist-bigot and I would have nothing to do with him or his team.
It is funny that many of these people don't like Limbaughs opinions but use the same rhetoric and inflammatory language that they indicate they don't like him to use. Look in the mirror people. This is like a religious war...killing in the name God only it is ok for you to spew nonsense but not someone who you disagree with...only in America. If the players don't want to play for the new owner they are free to go to the next team where owner that wants to be told what to do by the employees. Not! Let's just hope the new investment in the team produces a winning team and keep the politics out of it.
last time I looked we live in a free capitalist counrty. you go Rush
I see it as appeasement. The way Hilter was appeased before WWII. Yeah I said it. Rush Limbaugh doesn't give a crap about this team. This is all part of his master plan. I've listened to his show before and yes, he is a racist pure and simple. Why is it that he is allowed to say the things that he says? "Oh, it's Rush Limbaugh, you know how he is." That's BS. Nobody else can say those kinds of things and get away with it. All you people that approve of this are totally misguided and possibly racist yourself. It's not that he wants to keep the Rams at home, he just wants to stir up more controversy and divide the country more. Wake up people, you don't want this guy with any more power.
Limbaugh has every right to make racist comments on his show. We as black or just plain people of color have the right not listen. As far the NFL goes, if the owners and commissioner decide to let him into their private all-white club I suggest the following options s/b considered.
1. Blacks and Hispanics combined buy a little over 40% of NFL gear and apparel. That number should
fall to 0.00 % post haste.
2. Blacks & Hispanics nationwide should be encouraged not to do business with "Edward Jones"
which owns the stadiums naming rights. Stock accounts, 401k's, and other products sold by this
company s/b moved to Schwab, E-Trade or others financial services companies. ASAP
3.Whatever radio station that is the flagship for the teams local broadcast network s/b put on notice
that the station and its game sponsors will be the target of a nationwide Internet campaign to drive
down their revenues.
4. Black free agents s/b discourage from signing with the team when at all possi
No way, I'm not in support of Mr Rush buying the "Rams", Please advise him to use some of his welth for his former "vice president" candidate Sara new book going rouged.
If Rush becomes part owner of the Rams, there are a few things we know: The Rams will never have a black coach or a black quarterback, about 70% of his players will never be invited to his house, and if the Rams win anything there a lot players won't be getting hugs from the owner.
Limbaugh would be better off if he spent his money on surgery. You know, have is mouth sewed shut and his other end too since the same thing comes out both ends.......
Limbaugh is the #1 ditto head and a complete idiot. Anyone who supports gun toting political rallys doesn't need to be in the NFL.
Rush, get off the pot or poppy drugs.
@Crackhead Bob, cahpilot, Mikey, cowboy, ronald s perrone sr, Andre and all the Limbaugh supporters on the previous comment pages that I can’t access because Examiner.com are runned by flucking retards, go F yourselves (especially to the retarded 49er fan who thinks Slush would be better than John York)! There was no way that Rush Limbuger was gonna own this team after the McNabb incident! So quit being in denial you retarded racist flucks and be glad that somebody from Illinois got the team!
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Tim Klutsarits, I hope you’re happy now after all the BS you stirred up with this pathetic (and desperate) excuse of an article! You are with a shadow of a doubt stupid, moronic, dim-witted, thick, dense, foolish, brainless, fully-retarded, narrow-minded, idiotic, senseless and possibly entirely deficient! You (and the rest of the retarded Slush Limbore supporters) are lucky that the L.A. gazillionaires are going after Jacksonville and Buffalo instead and that Carol Rosenbloom’s children are desperate to get out of the business and are extremely lucky that the next highest bidder is from Illinois. Now that’s out of the way all I have to say to you now Klutsarits is no more articles about Limpballs ever again! THAT’S AN ORDER!
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And to the anti-Limbaugh people (including my good pal Kinky Gerlinky), good work and congratulations on keeping the team in St. Louis! Now you people need to figure out a way to get out of the NFC West and get into a division with a nearby rival like New Orleans but that’s another story altogether.
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