MORT'S MAILBAG | July 16

Q: Mort, I know you can't print this, but I hope you at least read it. I am completely disgusted to hear that Rush Limbaugh of all people is joining ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown." I didn't think it was possible to ruin such an amazing show. There's not much else to say about it, really. -- Michael, Harrisburg, Pa.

	Limbaugh

MORT -- Michael, if you want to trust me on anything, trust me when I tell you that Rush has a chance to be really good on our pregame show. He's been up to Bristol to watch games with us.

He is a genuine NFL fan and pretty knowledgeable, at that. He has some pretty decent connections in the league. And though you may not agree with his political views, I think he's not only highly intelligent, but extremely entertaining.

I never agreed that somebody like Rush or Dennis Miller belonged in the "Monday Night Football" booth. I think the game is the game and doesn't need any window dressing. But a pregame show for two hours? It's got to be informative and entertaining. We're going to do that. I really think Rush will deliver and make a contribution. We're excited about it, honestly. It's not like he's going to host the show -- that's Chris Berman's baby.

Q: Mort, I am e-mailing you because Jesus said so. I have heard people telling me that they found Jesus in an 8x10 concrete cell, but I have never heard of Jesus ever tell someone to stiff a hard-working auto mechanic. Your thoughts on Deion "David Koresh" Sanders' latest debacle. -- Portland, Ore.

MORT -- Obviously, this is a hot (and different) topic. As a Christian, I have a problem with anyone using Jesus as a reason not to pay the full amount of a bill. In fact, it is not Biblical to withhold payment from somebody who has provided a service. It is Biblical to honor all of your debts to the fullest amount.

Now, I haven't heard Deion attribute his decision for a partial payment on this basis. The aggrieved party put that remark off on Deion. On the other hand, let us consider that a judge sided with Deion. He heard and weighed all of the facts of this case. And although it may not be true of this particular mechanic, I can tell you that a lot of people who have some level of wealth in this country believe they are taken advantage of simply because they can afford a high bill. The Bible also says that God detests dishonest scales, etc. So, let's get back to football.

Q: Is there anti-Cowboy bias in the media? Deion Sanders gets sued and he is tagged as a "former Cowboy," despite the fact that he has played for the Falcons, 49ers, Redskins, Braves, Yankees, Reds and Giants as well, not to mention being a current CBS Sports analyst. This isn't the first time this has happened. Clayton Holmes, after receiving a one-year drug-related suspension, was also referred to as a "former Cowboy" despite being on the Dolphins at the time. It seems to me that the media tries to associate troubled players with the Cowboys, even when the association is completely irrelevant. Your thoughts? -- Adam, Laurel, Md.

MORT -- Adam, I really hadn't thought of it that way. I would hope that the "former Cowboy" link is primarily based on the story (and lawsuit) originating out of Dallas, where he resides. Sanders did gain a lot of notoriety as a Cowboy -- they are, after all, one of the most recognized teams in the NFL. As for Holmes, I can't remember the timing of his circumstances. I believe his positive tests came with the Cowboys. I guess if you're a Cowboy (or a fan), it's always going to be bigger than the rest -- kind of like the state of Texas, right?

	Holmes

Q: Is Priest Holmes really going to sit out if he does not get a new contract before the season opener? And if so, do you think he is doing the right thing? -- Todd, Kansas City

MORT -- Todd, I used to always side with the idea that you honor your contract. But the salary cap era has made a sham of contracts. Teams break them all the time and I believe there's no question that Priest Holmes has performed at a far higher level than anyone -- perhaps except Holmes -- imagined. I would agree with Chiefs GM Carl Peterson's position -- that Holmes must prove he is healthy and that the Chiefs extend the current contract with a healthy signing bonus.

If Holmes is healthy, his decision to play in the season opener probably will hinge on how much good faith the Chiefs have shown in the negotiations. Priest does have a lot of integrity, so if he took such a dramatic step, you would have to give him some benefit of doubt. I do think it's harmful for everyone if he pulled out right before the season began, but I won't condemn him because it's a two-way street out there.

Q: Dallas Clark was an intriguing draft pick for the Colts, considering that they've been high on pumping up the defense. How polished is he as a tight end, and does he have what it takes to contribute to the double tight end offense in his rookie year? He seems to have great intangibles in work ethic and attitude. He's one I'll keep my eye on when I visit the Colts' preseason camp. -- Nate, Indianapolis, Ind.

MORT -- Nate, the Colts haven't had the pads on, but I can tell you that Peyton Manning has been very impressed with Clark during the offseason. He's pretty athletic and catches the ball well. The Colts do base out of a two tight-end offense, and one of the issues may be whether Clark's blocking abilities will complement the other TE, Marcus Pollard. But from a receiving standpoint, Clark could make the Colts even more difficult to defend, especially in the red zone, where they've had some problems.