Incomplete and fumbled

N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell cast doubt on conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s viability as an N.F.L. owner Tuesday, saying that “divisive comments are not what the N.F.L. is all about. It’s about real tangible felonies.”

“I’ve said many times before, we’re not all held to a high standard here,” Mr. Goodell said. “Here in the NFL actions speak louder than words. And as long as those actions are subject to prosecution in a criminal court, I am OK with whatever happens.”

“Perhaps if Mr. Limbaugh had an arrest record, killed a few pitbulls, shot himself with an unregisterd handgun, or killed somebody while driving drunk, he would have a chance at ownership. But Rush is all talk and no action. To me that is inexcusable,” Goodell told reporters.

Mr. Goodell, who presides over a league whose players are 65 percent black, said race would be a determining factor in any decision he would make concerning team ownership. “Let’s get real here. I have to make sure the black guys are kept happy. If they all quit, what am I left with? A bunch of kickers and a handful of quarterbacks? This is the NFL, not the NHL!”