Rush Limbaugh’s “tenure” as part of a potential St. Louis Rams ownership group is over.

Earlier reports by ESPN said Limbaugh was expected to be dropped from the Dave Checketts group that is attempting to purchase the Rams. Actually, he’s already been dropped.

The Post-Dispatch has learned through league sources that Limbaugh has been dropped from the group. Limbaugh has been informed of the decision, according to those sources. The Checketts group subsequently issued a statement to that effect (complete statement is included at bottom of this story).

Less than two weeks ago, reports surfaced that Limbaugh, the conservative radio commentator, had joined a potential ownership group headed by Checketts, owner of the St. Louis Blues. Limbaugh himself later confirmed that he was part of the group.

That set off a firestorm of criticism that included NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, political activist Al Sharpton, and several NFL players. It became evident that Limbaugh was in trouble Tuesday, when Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he would vote against Limbaugh’s inclusion in the Rams’ ownership group. In addition, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell distanced himself from Limbaugh with several comments critcal of Limbaugh at the NFL owners meetings in Boston.

Here is the complete statement from Checketts:

“We have not made any secret of the fact that we are investors with significant holdings in St. Louis, including the St. Louis Blues. As such, we have been exploring potential opportunities to purchase the St. Louis Rams.

“Currently, we are involved in a process regarding the Rams being conducted by Goldman Sachs and are subject to confidentiality agreements with them – and therefore have not made any further comments regarding our bid.

“In light of statements and news reports regarding our bid recently, we have received permission to clarify our intentions.

“We represent a group of investors who seek to keep the team in St. Louis and have invited many Missourians to join us in this effort. Not surprisingly, we have had tremendous support from many strong and influential leaders who seek to help us in our efforts.

“Rush Limbaugh, who was born 100 miles south of St. Louis, was part of our group. This made sense to us, particularly in light of his affection for the NFL in general and his interest in keeping the Rams in St. Louis.

“Rush was to be a limited partner – as such, he would have had no say in the direction of the club or in any decisions regarding personnel or operations. This was a role he enthusiastically embraced.

“However, it has become clear that his involvement in our group has become a complication and a distraction to our intentions; endangering our bid to keep the team in St. Louis.

“As such, we have decided to move forward without him and hope it will eventually lead us to a successful conclusion.

“We will have no further comment out of respect to the process at hand.”