Rush Limbaugh resigned from ESPN on Wednesday after saying Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.
After defending his comments on his nationally syndicated radio show, Limbaugh announced his resignation.
"My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated," Limbaugh said.
George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports, accepted the resignation.
Not long after Limbaugh's resignation was announced, media reports surfaced saying he was under investigation in Florida for illegally buying and abusing prescription painkillers.
McNabb had said earlier Wednesday that he didn't mind criticism of his performance, but was upset that Limbaugh made his race an issue and said it was too late for an apology.
"It's somewhat shocking to hear that on national TV from him," McNabb said. "It's not something that I can sit here and say won't bother me."
Before McNabb led the Eagles to a 23-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Limbaugh said on ESPN's pregame show that he didn't think McNabb was as good as perceived from the start.
"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 NFL Countdown."
"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," he said.
Seven black quarterbacks started games last weekend. Two other blacks who regularly start were out with injuries.
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