LIMBAUGH IN DRUG PROBE, PAPERS SAY

MIAMI -- One day after conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh resigned as an
ESPN football analyst over controversial on-air comments, a weekly tabloid
on Thursday reported that the national radio talk host was under
investigation for allegedly buying addictive pain pills by the thousands on
the black market. In a statement released by Premiere Radio Networks, which
syndicates the popular "Rush Limbaugh Show," Limbaugh said he was unaware
of the probe cited by the National Enquirer. "I am unaware of any
investigation by any authority involving me," Limbaugh, one of the
best-known figures on America's airwaves, said. "No government
representative has contacted me directly or indirectly. If my assistance is
required, I will, of course, cooperate fully." In this week's cover story,
the Enquirer said that Limbaugh -- a resident of the exclusive seaside
community of Palm Beach, Fla. -- had been battling a narcotics addiction
and was under investigation by the Palm Beach County state attorney's
office for alleged involvement in a "drug ring." The New York Daily News
said Thursday that it had independently confirmed the probe involving
Limbaugh and reported that the radio personality had been turned in by his
former housekeeper. Wilma Cline reportedly told authorities that Limbaugh
was hooked on OxyContin, Lorcet and hydrocodone.