Opposition to Rush Limbaugh’s ownership candidacy is becoming more concrete than merely players expressing dismay.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFLPA, said in an e-mail that, "'[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.”
Smith also said he encourages players to find their voices and express opinions.
“I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL,” said Smith via e-mail. “They risk everything to play this game, they understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life. We also 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.
“Our men are strong and proud sons, fathers, spouses and I am proud when they stand up, understand this is their profession and speak with candor and blunt honesty about how they feel.”
Freedom to express a viewpoint is a beautiful thing. Hopefully, that freedom also extends to those with opinions that don’t simply align with the ones Smith and the anti-Limbaugh players were so quick to lodge.