In 2003, while he had a role on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, made a controversial statement when asked to give his opinion on then Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
"Sorry to say this, I don't think he's been that good from the get-go," Limbaugh said. "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. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
Eventually, despite never accepting that he said anything wrong, Limbaugh resigned after the negative reaction to his comments.
"My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated," Limbaugh said in a statement issued late Wednesday night. "I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret.
"I love NFL Sunday Countdown and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it.
"Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen."
At the time, McNabb made a few shorter statements, but this one was the most memorable.
"It's somewhat shocking to hear that on national TV from him," McNabb said. "It's not something that I can sit here and say won't bother me."
McNabb would go on to throw for 16 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards, while rushing for over 350 yards. The Eagles went 12-4 in 2003, but McNabb infamously threw a Veterans Stadium sealing interception to Ronde Barber to clinch a loss to the eventual Superbowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.
Friday, when McNabb hosted a "Reddit AMA", which allows Reddit users to ask him any question that they want to, the issue was revisited. A fan under the username "the_gluton" asked him if he's ever spoken to Limbaugh about the issue since that time. His answer was clear and succinct.
u/the_glutton, great question.
Absolutely not.
Do I care to speak to him? Absolutely not.
Do I care for him? Absolutely not.
The trifecta.
Considering how little contrition Limbaugh has shown for his comments in the last 12 plus years (see here), it's pretty reasonable for McNabb to have no interest in speaking to Limbaugh.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is an editorial assistant for Eagledelphia.com.
