Thursday Sports Roundup

The self-described, "Doctor of Democracy" will not be putting his stamp on the NFL anytime soon. A group bidding to buy the NFL's St. Louis Rams has decided to drop conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh from its list of partners. The group, led by St. Louis Blues (NHL) Chairman Dave Checketts, determined that Limbaugh's participation had complicated its bid. On Wednesday, Checketts said that the group's bid will move forward despite the absence of Limbaugh...

Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Joe Torre has decided to start left-hander Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Kershaw was 0-2 against Philadelphia in the regular season. Tonight's first pitch is scheduled for 8:07 pm ET...

The Washington Capitals have recalled center Keith Aucoin from its minor league affiliate Hershey Bears. Aucoin will presumably fill the roster spot of defenseman John Erskine, who has been placed on the IR with an injured hand. The Capitals host the San Jose Sharks tonight. The puck drops at 7:00 pm ET...

Amid daily speculation regarding the job security of Head Coach Jim Zorn, two Washington Redskins players said Wednesday that they'd like the team's management to put out a statement officially endorsing him. The players, who both spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the lack of a vote of confidence will create division and uneasiness within the team...