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.