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The Lineman: Week Six NFL picks

The Lineman took a few hard hits early last week but recovered with a couple of late scores to win my last two picks and finish with a sort of respectable 2-4. The word of the week for Week Six is “desperation” for me and several teams.

Record: 14-16; Last week: 2-4; Pick of the Week: 4-1

PICK OF THE WEEK St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-0) (Lines Packers minus-14.5) The NFL’s best team against probably the league’s worst team (we say probably only because the Miami Dolphins have also yet to win a game). St. Louis has had a bye week to think about their visit to Lambeau but the Rams could have had a year to prepare and it would be the same result – a blowout. With a razor-sharp Aaron Rodgers at the controls the Packers are averaging a league best 34 points while the Rams are at the bottom of the heap averaging just 11.5. The Packers still have a few areas they could improve on, such as pass defence after giving up an average of 299 yards per game – third worst in the league. But Charles Woodson and Morgan Burnett are tied for the lead in interceptions with three each while Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has thrown just three touchdowns. Danario Alexander is the Rams’ top pass catcher with a measly 196 yards. Rodgers has thrown for 1,721 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns and will likely add to both those numbers against a Rams secondary that has lost its two top cornerbacks to injury. Even when they were winning last season, the Rams were crummy on the road. The Pack are great at home. Giving up more than two touchdowns always leaves me jittery and there is always a chance the Packers could be in a generous mood and let up on their overwhelmed opponents. But I still expect to see plenty of Lambeau Leaps this Sunday. Take the leap. Give up the 14.5 and take the Packers. - – - - Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1) (Line Eagles plus .5) I could just cut and paste my reasons for taking the Eagles again because they are the same reasons I picked Philadelphia over the Bills a week ago (a wrong pick). The only difference from last Sunday is that the Eagles are even more desperate for a win. After four straight losses the “Dream Team” tag has been removed from the Eagles but is Philadelphia as bad as their 1-4 record? I think not. The Eagles offence ranks third, averaging 445 yards per game and first in rushing but quarterback Michael Vick has been prone to the big mistake, tossing a league-high seven interceptions including four against the Bills. Philadelphia’s more significant issues are on defence where they rank near the bottom of the league against the run, surrendering an average of 26.4 points and 140 yards on the ground. Defence has been the Redskins strength, Washington allowing just 15.8 points per game (third best behind Baltimore and San Francisco) and leads the NFL in sacks – not good news for an already banged up Vick. Great defence, coming off a bye week and playing at home everything would seem to be in the Redskins’ favour. But the Eagles are in desperation mode and so am I. Take the Eagles and the half point. - – - - Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3) (Line Falcons minus-4.5) The Eagles and Falcons are birds of a feather – both failing miserably to live up to pre-season expectations. The Falcons tailspin has not been nearly as dramatic as the Eagles but this is another team that needs to get things figured out in hurry (like this Sunday) or risk falling to the bottom of the NFC South. First-year quarterback Cam Newton may not quite be ready for the Hall of Fame as some would have you believe by the lavish praise but he is a lock for rookie of the year taking command of a Panthers offence that ranks fifth in total yards and passing. Newton has passed for seven touchdowns, run for five more and developed a special chemistry with wide receiver Steve Smith, who ranks second in pass catching with 609 yards. Atlanta has just been out of sync on both sides of the ball. The Falcons are a tough out at the Georgia Dome and this is the week when things finally start to click in Atlanta. Newton is also due for a wonky game and I think this is it. Take the Falcons and give up the 4.5. - – - - Houston Texans (3-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1) (Line Ravens minus-7.5) No All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson and no pass rushing maestro Mario Williams, means no chance for the banged up Texans against a well-rested Ravens team playing at home and coming off a bye week. It is hard to give up more than a touchdown against a team that has played as well as the Texans but, with their two biggest playmakers sidelined with injuries, it is hard to see Houston having any chance here. The Ravens defence, led by Ray Lewis (this guy still scares me), is the league’s stingiest allowing just 14.3 points a game while Joe Flacco and the Baltimore offence are starting to find their stride averaging 35 points in their three wins. M&T Bank Stadium has been a house of pain for visitors, the Ravens going 12-1 in their last 13 home games. The Texans have never beaten the Ravens and it won’t happen this week. Houston we have a problem. Take the Ravens and give up the 7.5. - – - - New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) (Line Saints minus-4.5) New Orleans let me down last week when they failed to cover against the Panthers but I am giving them another shot this Sunday because 4.5 points seems to a little light against a Saints offence that is starting to fire on all cylinders. Drew Brees is the NFL’s second ranked quarterback tossing 1,789-yards and 12 touchdowns and is at the controls of a Saints attack that sits second in total yards (452 yards per game) and passing yards (336). Last week the Buccaneers were spanked 48-3 by the San Francisco 49ers, matching their worst loss in club history. Both defences have struggled giving up an average of 25 points a game but it is hard to see Tampa Bat quarterback Josh Freeman keeping pace with Brees. The Saints quarterback has an arsenal of weapons to choose from while the Bucs lost one of their biggest threats last Sunday when running back LeGarrette Blount went down with a knee injury. New Orleans should also be very motivated this week with a win allowing them to open up a two-game cushion on their NFC South rivals at the top of the division standings. Bucs stopped here. Take the Saints and give up the 4.5. - – - - Miami Dolphins (0-4) at New York Jets (2.3) (Line Jets minus-7.5) For me, a week off in Miami would never seem like a bad thing. Not sure, however, the winless Dolphins enjoyed their bye week as much I would have. So it’s back to work for the Fish and a visit to the Big Apple for the Monday Nighter against a Jets team that finally appears ready to take flight. Dolphins have a new look coming out of the break but it is a scary one, with backup Matt Moore in at quarterback for injured Chad Henne. Miami ranked near the bottom of the league averaging just 17 points a game with Henne calling plays so it is difficult to see Moore as any kind of upgrade – especially going against a Jets defence that ranks fifth against the pass. New York quarterback Mark Sanchez continues to come under scrutiny but expect him to silence his critics, for one day at least, with a big day against the NFL’s second worst pass defence. Both teams are desperate (see, I told you that was word of the week) for wins. Miami coach Tony Sparano likely needs one to keep his job while the Jets need a victory to stay in touch with the 4-1 New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. The Dolphins have a history of playing the Jets tough, but give me the improving Jets against Matt Moore in the Monday Night prime time spotlight. Jets cleared for takeoff. Take the Jets and give up the 7.5

The Lineman: Week Five NFL picks

OK, it is not exactly the big week I was looking for but 3-3 at least has the Lineman heading back in the right direction. But catch a look at the Pick of the Week 3-1 (soon to be 4-1).

Good tipping to all.

Record: 12-12. Last week 3-3

Pick of the Week: 3-1

PICK OF THE WEEK

San Diego Chargers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (1-3)

The Lineman: Week Four NFL picks

By Steve Keating

OK, OK; the shine of a 5-1 opening week is really starting to dim but after three weeks the Lineman is still batting .500.

But like the Atlanta Falcons, we get our season turned around in Week Four. Good Luck.

Record: 9-9. Last week 2-4

Pick of the Week: 2-1

PICK OF THE WEEK

New Orleans Saints (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)  (Line Saints minus-7.5)

The Lineman: Week Three NFL picks

Had a Baltimore Ravens type Sunday last week, going 2-4 after a brilliant (if I do say so) 5-1 start to the season. But like the Ravens, I look for a big bounce back in Week 3.

Record: 7-5. Last week 2-4; Pick of the Week: 2-0

PICK OF THE WEEK Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-1) (Line: Chargers minus-14.5)

The Chargers usually play with about as much energy as a dead battery early in the season but I am not expecting the Bolts will need to dig deep to blow out the dreadful Chiefs, who have been outscored 89-10 in their opening two games. Even on a good day, the Chiefs have not fared well at Qualcomm Stadium, recording just one win in their last seven visits, including a 31-0 pummeling last season. All signs point to another thrashing. A bad season just keeps getting worse for KC, who have already lost All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry to season ending injuries. The Chiefs have been a turnover machine handing over the ball nine times in two games and sit last in scoring and rushing. The Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford and St. Louis Rams’ Sam Bradford each shredded the Chiefs secondary for four touchdown passes and now face a quality Chargers offence led by Philip Rivers. The Chargers laboured to a win over the Minnesota Vikings at home in their opener and then turned in a sloppy effort losing to the Patriots but only Tom Brady and super-rookie Cam Newton have tossed for more yards through the first two weeks. The Chargers also tend to play better at home going 12-2 in their last 14 regular season games and I love those powder blue uniforms. Unless Southern California slips into the Pacific this one is a lock. Lightning strikes. Take the Bolts and give up the 14.5. - – - - Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2) (Line: Panthers minus-3.5) Panthers super rookie Cam Newton could pass for a gazillion yards this season but it will not mean much unless he can produce a few wins. The Panthers triggerman, who has indeed impressed tossing for a rookie record 854 yards in his first two contests, will get a chance on Sunday to prove there is some steak to go along with that sizzle. Newton has played in just two games but compared to Jaguars rookie pivot Blaine Gabbert, who will be making his first career start, he is a grizzled veteran. That stench coming out of Jacksonville is the smell of desperation as coach Jack Del Rio searches for a quarterback. After cutting loose incumbent QB David Garrard just before the season opener, Del Rio needed only two weeks to decide Luke McCown was not the answer. Jacksonville ranks 30th in passing after two games, McCown getting the hook after tossing four interceptions in a 32-3 loss to the New York Jets. The Jaguars have a quality running back Maurice Jones-Drew and … umm, well let us leave it at that. The Panthers have the NFL’s second ranked offense and second ranked passing attack. Wide receiver Steve Smith leads the league in receiving yards with 334. While Newton’s aerial show has been grabbing the headlines, look for the Panthers to try for a more balanced attack with running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart getting work. Playing at home and with Chicago, New Orleans and Atlanta in the on deck circle, I’ve got to believe this is a game the Panthers have had circled for a while. This looks like a purrr-fect spot for Panthers win. Take the Panthers give up the 3.5. - – - - Detroit Lions (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2) (Line: Lions minus-3.5) Having lived in Detroit the previous four years, including that miserable 0-16 season, I have been slow to jump on the Lions bandwagon. The vibe has not been this upbeat in the Motown since Stevie Wonder and the Supremes were churning out gold records. But now it Ndamukong Suh recording the hits as the Lions bid for their first 3-0 start since 1980. Counting last season and the pre-season games, the Lions are on a nine-game winning streak, including a 48-3 thrashing of the Kansas City Chiefs, and I can see no reason for it to end at the Mall of the Americas. Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson are as good as any pass-catch combo in the league. The Lions finally have an offense that has teeth, ranking second in league scoring while Johnson is tied for the lead in touchdown catches with four. Led by Suh, the Lions defence has shown some bite with eight takeaways. About the only thing the Vikings have going for them is the running of Adrian Peterson and history. Peterson ranks fourth in rushing with 218 yards in two games while the Lions have not won in Minny since 1997, a run of 13 straight losses. Fire up the bandwagon – I’m in. Take the Lions and give up the 3.5. - – - - Baltimore Ravens (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-2) (Line: Ravens minus-3.5) Of all the letdowns last week this is the one that confused me the most. The Ravens looked liked Super Bowl champs crushing the Steelers in their opener then were just plain Super Bad against a very ordinary Tennessee Titans team. You do not expect that type of letdown from Ray Lewis and company. For that reason alone I am looking for a big bounce back this week from the Ravens when they visit the injury-ravaged Rams. After a big step forward last season the Rams will be desperate to avoid starting the season 0-3 but with workhorse running back Steven Jackson on the limp, gaining mileage against a tough Ravens run defence will be difficult. Baltimore held Tennessee’s Chris Johnson to a measly 53 yards last week but the problem was a leaky pass defence that Matt Hasselbeck was able to exploit. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been doing a good Jekyll and Hyde impression, throwing for three touchdowns against the Steelers then serving up two interceptions to the Titans. Bottom line. Losing does not sit well with the Ravens. After their last eight defeats, the Ravens have responded with eight big wins. Make that nine. Take the Ravens and give up the 3.5. - – - - New York Giants (1-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) (Line: Eagles minus-7.5) Ok, the $100 million question hanging over this one is will concussed Eagles quarterback Michael Vick play? Nothing has been confirmed but all signs point to Vick being under centre on Sunday when the Giants pay a visit. While the football world has been focused on Vick’s headache, the New Yorkers have bigger problems with an injury list that includes wide receiver Mario Manningham (concussion), receiver and return specialist Domenik Hixon (torn knee ligaments), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee), first-round draft pick Prince Amukamara (foot) and tight end Travis Beckum (hamstring). Already out for the season with torn knee ligaments are starting middle linebacker Jonathan Goff, cornerback Terrell Thomas and reserves Clint Sintim and Brian Witherspoon. Second-round draft choice Marvin Austin (torn pectoral muscle), cornerback Bruce Johnson (Achilles) and backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels (illness) are also on injured reserve. OUCH. If Vick is unable to go Mike (who is this gu?y) Kafka is expected to get the start. While Kafka represents a serious drop-off, he will have a full complement of weapons to choose from including big play threats DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin. Eagles wide receiver Steve Smith, who caught passes for the Giants the last four seasons, gets his first crack at his former team. The Giants may have some success running the ball but Eli Manning could be in for a long day against a five-star Eagles pass rush and secondary. The New Yorkers have lost the last six meetings between the longtime rivals and are still stinking from last year’s humiliating defeat when they coughed up 28 points in the last eight minutes allowing the Eagles to comeback and claim an unlikely 38-31 win. Vick or no Vick, the Giants are too banged up to pose too much of problem to the Eagles, who will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week. The Eagles have landed. Take the Eagles and give up the 7.5. - – - - Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) (Line: Falcons plus 1.5) The Falcons were tipped by a lot of people as Super Bowl material but have yet to display a champions pedigree after being demolished by the Bears in Week 1 and then squeaking past the Eagles in Week 2. It is only Week 3 but it is crunch time for the Falcons as they fly south to take on NFL South rivals Tampa in a key early-season clash. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan finally looked in sync last week firing a career-high four touchdown passes in a comeback win over Philly but success in Tampa is likely to hinge on running back Michael Turner. Only the St. Louis Rams have a worse run defence than the Buccaneers who are giving up an average of 156 yards a game on the ground. Turner is among the NFL’s early rushing leaders ranking sixth with 214 yards. Tampa QB Josh Freeman is the master of the comebacks and did it again last week rallying the Bucs to a win over the Vikings. The Falcons are chasing their fifth straight win at Raymond James Stadium. Games between these two NFC rivals have been traditionally close with the Falcons coming out on top. Getting points is a bonus. The Bucs stop here. Take the Falcons and the 1.5.

The Lineman’s NFL Picks — Week 2

Just like the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers it was a decent if unspectacular start to a new season for the Lineman, who was a respectable 4-2 in Week One.

But still room for improvement so here we go with another Six-Pack for Week Two.

Record: 4-2. Last week 4-2. Pick of the Week: 0-1

PICK OF THE WEEK

Houston Texans (1-0) at Washington Redskins (1-0) (Line Texans minus-2.5): The Washington Redskins continue their Texas two-step start to the season following up a shock Week One win over the Dallas Cowboys with a visit from the Houston Texans.

It seems weird that Houston would represent the tougher game of a Texas doubleheader but there is a power shift going on in the Lone Star state with Dallas on the decline.

The Texans roll into D.C. bristling with confidence after a season-opening win over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Lineman’s NFL picks: Week 1

The Lineman is back for another season of Pick Six that will end with the Green Bay Packers winning the Super Bowl. Yes, the Lineman likes the Pack baby. In fact so does Ms. Lineman and some out of work Octopus.

So, let’s have some fun. Here we go Week One.

PICK OF THE WEEK:

San Diego Chargers (0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) (Line Chargers minus-4.5): The Chargers have been slow out of the blocks under coach Norv Turner but that will not happen this season.

Unless quarterback Philip Rivers breaks both legs or Southern California slips into the Pacific the Bolts should get off to a lightning quick start thanks to a mushy soft schedule that will see them face just one playoff team (Arizona) from last season in their opening six contests.

Things are not quite as sunny as the weather in San Diego with Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson grumbling over a contract and All-Pro left tackle Marcus McNeil missing from the lineup but the Chargers are by far and away the class of a weak AFC West and a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Rivers ranks among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and rookie running back Ryan Mathews should make Chargers faithful forget about former NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, who has landed with the Jets.

Super Bowl or bye-bye for McNabb?

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is a top-notch player who holds many franchise records, but talk that his future with the team could be in jeopardy unless he leads them to a Super Bowl victory next month is heating up.

McNabb’s first road block to the elusive Super Bowl win is Saturday’s matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, where the Eagles were shutout 24-0 last week in a game McNabb threw for 223 yards and had two fumbles.

And if the Eagles beat Dallas, McNabb and Co. will remain on the road to play the New Orleans Saints, a team that crushed Philadelphia 48-22 in September. McNabb missed that game with a cracked rib.

This is McNabb’s tenth season with the Eagles. He has led the team to five NFC Championship games but lost four of them. The closest he has taken them to a Super Bowl win was a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots. That was five years ago and the patience of the Philadelphia faithful is wearing thin.

The five-time Pro-Bowl quarterback’s stint in the “City of Brotherly Love” has been packed with controversy, intense scrutiny and a constant overwhelming feeling of underachievement given the lack of a championship season.

Just last season when he was benched for the first time in his career there was talk that the Eagles may want to move forward with Kevin Kolb, a second-round pick in 2007. But the quarterback bounced back and now has the Eagles in the playoffs for the second straight year and looking to end the team’s 48-year championship drought this year.

McNabb’s contract with the Eagles expires at the end of next season. But if he is not holding the Lombardi trophy on Feb. 7, talk about shipping him out of Philadelphia will intensify. Some even argue that for Eagles coach Andy Reid to take his place among the NFL’s all-time great coaches, and for McNabb to ensure a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they need to win it all at least once.

Week Eight NFL Picks

CBall takes the reins while your regular prognosticator, The Lineman, takes a few days off to celebrate his 6-0 record in Week Seven. While I realize it’s going to be hard to top perfection, stick with me for the one-week ride. The ‘C’ in CBall stands for Champion as you will undoubtedly see if you follow my picks.        Record: 24-18. Last week 6-0. Pick of the Week 4-3.        PICK OF THE WEEK  New York Giants (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) (Line Even);  The Giants are coming off a disappointing 24-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on national TV at Giants Stadium. After opening the season 5-0 against inferior competition, the New Yorkers have dropped two straight. But the losing stops this week for quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants, who are 22-5 against the spread in their last 27 road games.  Take the Giants over Philadelphia, who are hurt by the erratic play of Donovan McNabb and the uncertain status of Brian Westbrook. Also, look for the normally rowdy Eagles fans to be distracted by the World Series, which will be played in adjacent Citizens Bank Park later Sunday.     – - – -  Atlanta Falcons (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (6-0) on Monday night (Line Saints minus 10)  Drew Brees and the high-scoring Saints are showing no signs of slowing down and they will continue to march this week. They have put at least 45 points on the scoreboard four times this season and will have an easy time with the Falcons, an overrated squad still searching for their first win over a quality opponent in 2009.  Take the Saints and give the 10. You should be giving a lot more but 10 is all they’re making you surrender. Take it and run.     – - – -  Oakland Raiders (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (3-3) (Line Chargers minus 16 1/2)  The Raiders lost to the Chargers 24-20 in their season opener at home and are primed to cover the spread this week in Southern California. These teams are bitter rivals in the AFC West. Oakland’s JaMarcus Russell is no Philip Rivers. But he completed only 12 of 30 passes in the opener and the Raiders lost by just four.  Take the Raiders and the points. They won’t win the game but rest assured they’ll cover the spread.     – - – -  San Francisco 49ers (3-3) at Indianapolis Colts (6-0) (Line Colts minus 12 1/2)  Colts signal-caller Peyton Manning is simply playing too well to consider taking the Golden Gaters and the points. The Niners beat some mediocre teams early in the season and it made some folks believe they’ve turned it around. But they were blitzed by Atlanta 45-10 and lost to Houston 24-21 in their last two games and will be no match for the unbeaten Colts.  Take Indianapolis and give the 49ers the 12 1/2. It may be close at halftime but by the fourth quarter, you’ll be shaking your head at CBall’s genius.     – - – -  Miami Dolphins (2-4) at New York Jets (4-3) (Line Jets giving 3 1/2)  The Jets blew away the Oakland Raiders 38-0 last week to snap a three-game skid. Don’t expect to see the Jets in the Super Bowl this year but they will cover in Week Eight. After all, the Dolphins are 6-20-2 against the spread in the teams’ last 28 meetings.  Sit back, grab a brew, and watch the Jets pummel the Dolphins.     – - – -  Houston Texans (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-4) (Line Houston giving 3 1/2)  The Bills have won two straight while showing signs that they’re not as bad as they were during bad losses at Miami (38-10) and at home against Cleveland (6-3). They’re getting points against a team that’s tough to figure out. The Texans have won two straight, at Cincinnati and at home against the 49ers, but their luck runs out here. Despite a 1-7 record against the spread in their last eight home games, take the Bills and the points.

PHOTO: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of their NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana Oct. 18, 2009. REUTERS/Sean Gardner

Week Seven NFL Picks

The Lineman had been in a bit of slump the last three weeks. After a very solid start to the season he has picked just six winners the last three weeks.We were hit hard by upsets last week (give me a break Raiders and Bills both picking up wins). But we are still ..500 on the season and Pick of the Week is back at .500.

Record: 18-18. Last week 2-4. Pick of the Week: 3-3

PICK OF THE WEEK:

New Orleans Saints (5-0) at Miami Dolphins (2-3) (Line Saints minus 6 1/2): OK, am I missing something? The Saints have won every game by more than 14 points, last week they torched the unbeaten New York Giants 48-27 and quarterback Drew Brees has put on an air-tossing 13 touchdowns including four against the New Yorkers, who came into the Big Easy with the NFL’s top ranked defence.

The Dolphins looked like fish out of water the first three weeks before putting together back-to-back wins and are coming off a bye week. Chad Henne has done a better than expected job taking over the signal calling for injured Chad Pennington but this one has Fish Fry written all over it.

Take the Saints and happily surrender the 6 1/2 points.

- – - -

Is NFL treating Rush Limbaugh’s bid with fairness?

During his brief stint as a commentator on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown pre-game show back in 2003, conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh was forced to resign after making this controversial comment about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“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,” Limbaugh said at the time.

In his resignation letter Limbaugh said “my comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated. I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret.”

In a league where almost three quarters of its players are African-Americans, including the head of the players’ union, Limbaugh’s attempt to become co-owner of the beleaguered St. Louis Rams, in his home state, has been met with swift opposition.

According to ESPN, DeMaurice Smith, the Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, has written an email to the association’s executive committee, detailing his opposition to Limbaugh’s bid. “I’ve spoken to the Commissioner (Roger Goodell) and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But 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.”

Commissioner Roger Goodell has already cast doubt on Limbaugh’s viability as an NFL owner, saying that “divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about.” Goodell said that Rams representatives told owners at a recent meeting that they haven’t fully committed to selling the team, which is being shopped by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

UPDATE: Have decided to turn comments off. Sorry about that but felt the debate was generating more heat than light.