Goodell casts doubt on Limbaugh bid

BOSTON, Miss., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Rush Limbaugh's "divisive comments" may put him out of the running as owner of the St. Louis Rams, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday.

Goodell, speaking during a trip to Boston for a National Football League owners meeting, said any decision is still a long way away, The Washington Post reported. Limbaugh is part of a group bidding for the Rams that also includes Dave Checketts, chairman of the St. Louis Blues hockey team.

"I've said many times before we're all held to a high standard here, and I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about," Goodell said. "I would not want to see those comments coming from people who are in a responsible position in the NFL, absolutely not."

In 2003, he lost a commentator's spot on ESPN when he said Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles was overrated by "media" who wanted a successful black quarterback.

Any buyer needs the approval of three-quarters of the owners. Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, said Limbaugh seemed like a "nice guy" at their one meeting but added he found some of his comments "incendiary."