LIMBAUGH MEETS WITH ‘MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL’ CHIEF

**Exclusive**

A media mystery has developed surrounding recent clandestine meetings between Monday Night Football executive producer Don Ohlmeyer, football commentator Al Michaels and talkradio sensation Rush Limbaugh, the DRUDGE REPORT can reveal.

The Doral Golf Club in Miami was the setting for a secret powwow a few Saturdays ago. According to stunned eyewitnesses, Ohlmeyer introduced Limbaugh to club members as the trio played a round of 18 holes. Later, Limbaugh was spotted in a golf cart with commentator Michaels in deep conversation.

"Don was clearly showing Limbaugh off," said one eyewitness. "I didn’t see Dennis Miller anywhere."

Ohlmeyer and Limbaugh have also been spotted wining and dining.

[Ohlmeyer could not be reached for comment. Limbaugh did not respond to repeated e-mails. ]

The meetings come as Ohlmeyer hits turbulence with new color commentator Miller, who won a seat in the booth over Limbaugh after both men auditioned this summer.

MNF ratings have yet to spark with Miller, and comments made by the comedian during last week’s game caused confusion and concern with network censors.

As ABC was showing Packers coach Mike Sherman on the screen, Al Michaels commented on how odd it was to see Sherman with two microphones, a separate one coming from each headphone.

"Wow, quadraphonic," Michaels said.

Miller quickly chimed in: "Fucking-bomb, it's Dolby, man."

ABC quickly went to a break without any laughter from Michaels.

After reviewing a tape of the broadcast, executives concluded Miller could have said "Freakin’-bomb, it’s Dolby man," according to an ABC source.

posted by tiaka at 6:45 PM on August 27, 2000

PREEEEDICTION: Limbaugh will replace Miller just in time for the SECOND week of the November sweeps, that is, the Monday AFTER the election. ABC just doesn't want political comments slipped between plays to sway enough easily-influenced football fans to change their votes and sway the election (I'm positive that's part of their corporate mindset). After the election, no matter who wins, the Rushter will be encouraged to be outrageous, obnoxious and borderline-humorous on any subject he wants while we wait for the chains to be moved.
posted by wendell at 12:33 PM on August 28, 2000

It's amazing that this has not caused me to turn on my tv. Not Survivor. Not Live ER.

Perhaps when Ventura calls for a cage match rather then a debate for election.
posted by john at 3:41 PM on August 28, 2000