A few years ago, during an ill-advised experiment with Rush Limbaugh joining ESPN's football coverage, Limbaugh was forced to resign after issuing this opinion:
"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," Limbaugh said on Sunday's show. "There is a little hope invested in (Donovan) McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."I winced. I think we all did. And I also cheered. Anything that got Rush off my Sunday morning TV is a good thing. But as for my opinion, I have none. I'm not Rush Limbaugh, so I'm not an expert on what other people are thinking.
Years later now, McNabb himself issues an eerily opposite statement about himself and perceptions. He asserts that black quarterbacks face greater criticism, that they have to do more than their white counterparts. I winced. No one else seemed to. But again, I have no opinion; I'm not Donovan McNabb and am therefore uncomfortable with making accusations without offering any, you know, substantiating evidence.
It's a weird story arc that makes me squirm. But at least the Onion stepped up.