Here is the udpated article. Going to be on O'Reilly in a few minutes:

Limbaugh Admits Painkiller Addiction

Friday, October 10, 2003

By Catherine Donaldson-Evans

NEW YORK — Radio talk show host and political commentator Rush Limbaugh stunned listeners Friday when he admitted that he is addicted to painkillers.

"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life," Limbaugh said on his program. "So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication."

Limbaugh said he began taking the medication "some years ago" when his doctor prescribed it after spinal surgery, to treat post-operation pain.

But the operation was unsuccessful and the back pain stemming from the surgery persisted, so Limbaugh said he started taking pills without knowing how addictive they were. He became hooked.

He said he's tried to break his dependence on the painkiller and twice checked himself into medical facilities for treatment.

Limbaugh promised listeners he would once again enter rehab for the next 30 days, immediately following Friday's broadcast, "to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me."

He didn't mention what specific painkiller he was hooked on.

The radio host had already been cited as a possible target of a criminal probe into the sale and use of illegal drugs.

One media analyst said Limbaugh had no choice but to come clean and confess.

"He had painted himself into a corner," said Matthew Felling, media director at the Center for Media and Public Affairs. "You cannot be a public personality demanding accountability of everyone on the face of the earth and hide behind legalese."

As for how the news will be received by Limbaugh's fans, Felling said that remains to be seen.

"Now that his public persona has admitted weakness and personal failing, it will be interesting to see how his red meat audience responds," said Felling. "To humanize him may de-fang him to a certain degree."

Limbaugh, who quit his job as a football analyst for ESPN Oct.1, had multiple sources from whom he could obtain the prescription drugs, namely OxyContin and other painkillers, law enforcement sources said last week.

Reports in the New York Daily News and the National Enquirer alleged Limbaugh got the drugs from his housekeeper, Wilma Cline.

"I've spoken with the clients and they are pleased that the publication of this story has possibly had the effect of saving Rush Limbaugh's life," Edward Shohat, attorney for Wilma and David Cline, told Fox News in reaction to Limbaugh's admission. "The exercise of First Amendment rights can have very positive effects."

Last week, sources close to the investigation told Fox News that Limbaugh had other drug suppliers apart from Cline and said the popular conservative personality could face a criminal inquiry by the Palm Beach County state attorney's office.

Limbaugh acknowledged the drug probe on Friday.

"At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete," Limbaugh said on his program, adding that there had been inaccuracies reported and he would clear them up when he was allowed to speak about the investigation.

Friday's admission was the latest development in an ongoing scandal that has surrounded the talk show host, known for his bluntness and controversial political views.

Limbaugh resigned as ESPN's football analyst after outrage spread over his comment that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is African American, had become a media darling because he is black.

He said on the Sept. 28 edition of ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" that McNabb was overrated because the press wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.

"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," Limbaugh said then. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."

Later he apologized for making people uncomfortable but stood by his comments.

Limbaugh's opponents will likely call him a hypocrite after Friday's confession, since he has criticized crack addicts in the past and said drug offenders should be thrown in jail like any other criminals.

But Felling of the Center for Media and Public Affairs said he doubted Limbaugh's career would tank because of his acknowledgment.

"I'm not willing to write his media obituary yet," said Felling. "He has proven a very durable personality."

When Limbaugh admitted the drug problem on his program, he said he wasn't a victim and didn't want to be portrayed as such.

"I am no role model," the radio commentator said. "I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here ... I take full responsibility for my problem."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.