Star One Smart Blog's

_________________________________________________________________________


What on earth could Michael Irvin and Rush Limbaugh have in common?

How about (supposed) racism, and ESPN, and getting fired? Well, Limbaugh was fired, but as of today, Michael Irvin hasn't heard from ESPN. Rush Limbaugh made the famous "media promotes Black Quarterbacks" comment in reference to Donovan (Chunky Mom Soup) McNabb. Now Irvin gets his turn at the mike.

Should Irvin be dressed down for this? Here's what is known right now (from Mike Florio at Profootballtalk.com, notorious for not having individual links to his posts:

"On Monday, Irvin explained on ESPN Radio's The Dan Patrick Show that Romo's supreme athletic skills could be due to a dalliance in days gone by between one of Romo's female ancestors and a slave. The remarks initially went unnoticed, but by Wednesday several commentators (including Mike Freeman of CBSSportsline.com and Jason Whitlock of AOL) and web sites were shining a spotlight on the situation."

Irvin was discussing Tony Romo, QB of the Dallas Cowboys, who put on an excellent show yesterday in thumping the Bucs. Irvin said, on Monday, when asked about Romo's skills...

"“He doesn't look like he's that type of an athlete. But he is. He is, man. I don't know...some brother down in that line somewhere...I don't know who saw what or where, his great-great-great-great-grandma ran over in the 'hood or something went down.”"

Patrick then pressed him on whether black heritage was required for athletic ability...

"That's not the only way, but it's certainly one way," Irvin replied. "If great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandma pulled one of them studs up out of the barn...`Come on in here for a second,' you know..."

Funny, I guess, but Michael Irvin is no Jimmy the Greek.

As Mike pointed out, there is a chance of a firestorm out of this (see this article, and here.) Michael Irvin is no Rush Limbaugh, and doesn't have the giant target painted on him that Rush does...

But this particular type of offense should be persecuted without regard to race or political background, to keep from seeming to target only one race and political persuasion.