Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese was once one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone - and the youngest individual on Fortune Magazine's survey of the “The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses.” As a top lieutenant in the Columbo crime family, he was earning millions of dollars … per week. After the last in a series of racketeering indictments, however, Michael decided to plead guilty, accept a 10-year prison sentence, and do the unthinkable – he was the first high-profile gangster to quit the mob. He is now a highly sought-after speaker on the dangers of gambling and the futility of a life of crime. Michael’s most recent book, “I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse – Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss” (Thomas Nelson Publishers) was released earlier this year.

Rush or Reverend Al?… Will the Real Racist Please Stand Up?

by Michael Franzese

Like everyone else who is a fan of the NFL, I have heard of the recent firestorm over Rush Limbaugh being ousted by Roger Goodell in his bid to become part owner of the St Louis Rams. Apparently Limbaugh has been accused of being racist in some way towards African American players.

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I listen to Limbaugh’s radio show quite a bit and as a result I know he is a huge fan of the NFL. That’s the very reason why these charges of racism just don’t sit well with me. Common sense alone would lead a reasonable person to question how such a huge fan of the NFL, or of any professional sport for that matter, could be racist towards the very players whose tremendous talents and athleticism create the excitement that contributes to one’s being such a huge fan of the sport. It’s just not logical. There is no denying that Limbaugh is a lightning rod for controversy. There is also no denying that he makes statements that some people might find offensive. Even he doesn’t deny that. But to charge him with racism towards the very players he loves to watch and was willing to invest his money in, just doesn’t make sense. (more…)