NEW YORK (AP) – Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh resigned from ESPN on Wednesday night, three days after his comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb being overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.

“My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated,” Limbaugh said in a statement Wednesday night. “I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret.

“I love “NFL Sunday Countdown’ and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it.

“Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen.”

George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports, accepted the resignation.

“We regret the circumstances surrounding this,” he said in a statement. “We believe that he took the appropriate action to resolve this matter expeditiously.”

McNabb had said earlier Wednesday that he didn’t mind criticism of his performance. He was upset that Limbaugh made his race an issue and said it was too late for an apology.

“It’s somewhat shocking to hear that on national TV from him,” McNabb said.

“It’s not something that I can sit here and say won’t bother me.”