There once was a shortage of black quarterbacks in the NFL because of racist stereotypes about their abilities. But those days are gone. Limbaugh's point is that liberal-leaning writers can't give up on the idea that black quarterbacks must be embattled and therefore due special regard because of their race. Look no further than a January 2002 piece from the liberal Salon.com headlined, "Black QBs -- Again: With McNabb and [Kordell] Stewart leading their teams into the conference championships, will athletic quarterbacks outduel their white counterparts?" Or this headline from a 2001 Salon piece: "Young, Gifted and Under Center: The current bumper crop of black quarterbacks leading their teams to the playoffs doesn't mean racism is dead in the NFL."
You can argue with Limbaugh's opinion that Donovan McNabb -- currently ranked near the bottom of NFL QBs -- has been overrated and that journalists rooting for him accounts for it. But that race matters in the NFL and in the media coverage of it is indisputable. Instead of shutting up conservatives who notice this, maybe all of Limbaugh's critics should resolve to roll back the NFL coach-hiring policy and never mention race again in connection with a sport that should be all about merit. That should come as a blessed relief to everyone from Donovan McNabb to Rush Limbaugh.