On Saturday, NFL Players executive director DeMaurice Smith made a move to solidify the union against a bid by conservative talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh as part of a group that aims to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

“I’ve spoken to the Commissioner [Roger Goodell] and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred,” Smith said in an e-mail to the union’s executive committee on Saturday specifically addressing Limbaugh’s bid.

Among the six potential ownership groups that have discussed buying the Rams are Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts. The current sale price has ranged from $700 million to $750 million but that there did not appear to be an imminent transaction, league sources say.

“This communication is more about what we stand for than the reality of our role in any franchise sale. While it’s true the subject matter was related [to Limbaugh’s bid], I do understand that the NFL does not present ownership bids to me or the NFLPA. I encourage our players to express their views,” Smith elaborated briefly on Sunday.

(via ESPN)