Pubdate: Fri, 03 Oct 2003
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2003, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Note: Limit LTEs to 150 words
Section: Nation/World
Author: Jill Barton, The Associated Press

PAINKILLER PURCHASES, LIMBAUGH INVESTIGATED IN FLORIDA

WEST PALM BEACH - Rush Limbaugh is being investigated for illegally buying 
prescription drugs, Florida investigators said Thursday, hours after the 
conservative commentator gave up his job as an ESPN sports analyst over the 
reaction to comments he made about a black quarterback.

Law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to 
The Associated Press that Limbaugh is being investigated by the Palm Beach 
County state attorney's office.

The allegations were first reported by the National Enquirer. CNN reported 
Thursday that sources close to the investigation said Limbaugh had turned 
up as a buyer of powerful painkillers but was not the target of the 
investigation.

Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates the politically focused ``Rush 
Limbaugh Show'' to more than 650 markets, issued a statement from Limbaugh 
on Thursday saying: ``I am unaware of any investigation by any authority 
involving me. No government representative has contacted me directly or 
indirectly. If my assistance is required, I will, of course, cooperate fully.''

Limbaugh left his ESPN job late Wednesday, three days after saying on the 
sports network's ``Sunday NFL Countdown'' that Philadelphia Eagles 
quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a 
black quarterback succeed.

The Enquirer interviewed Wilma Cline, who said she became Limbaugh's drug 
connection after working as his maid. She said Limbaugh abused OxyContin 
and other painkillers.

Limbaugh skipped his radio show Thursday to attend the National Association 
of Broadcasters convention in Philadelphia.

He did not address the drug investigation reports in his speech.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart