Tom Jackson, Steve Young and Michael Irvin Are All We Need, Thank You

Clearly, ESPN didn't think this whole Rush Limbaugh idea through when the network signed him for NFL Countdown. Though I thought it was a ridiculous idea at the time, I understood why they hired him to be a commentator: to create controversy and thus boost the show's ratings. So after I heard about his misinformed comments about how the media has been rooting for black coaches and quarterbacks, I wasn't all that shocked. I mean, you knew it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. What did surprise me was his abrupt resignation from the show after the firestorm surrounding his remarks. First of all, let's not kid ourselves, ESPN forced this resignation as was fearful of losing advertisers. But didn't the suits in Bristol expect and anticipate this kind of conflict-baiting? They got just what they asked for. I assumed that the network would have used the free publicity to their advantage and kept Limbaugh on for the rest of the season. ESPN does deserve kudos for making the right decision today, but you have to question their judgment in hiring him in the first place.