Rutgers Blasts Imus' "Despicable" Remarks

But Players Stop Short Of Saying Radio Host Should Be Fired; They Will Meet With Him Privately

(CBS/AP)  The Rev. Al Sharpton also appeared on "Today" and called the suspension "not nearly enough. I think it is too little, too late." He said presidential candidates and other politicians should refrain from going on Imus' show in the future.

Comic Bill Maher, CBS News political analyst Jeff Greenfield and former Carter administration official Hamilton Jordan all appeared on Imus' show Tuesday.

"When it comes to race in this country, there are just different standards," said Greenfield on Imus' show Tuesday. But he said he hopes Imus returns from the suspension. "You don't walk away from someone with whom you've had a 15-year relationship because they've done something dumb."

Imus, who appeared on Sharpton's syndicated radio program for two hours Monday, accused the minister of lacking courage for refusing an invitation to appear on "Imus in the Morning." Sharpton said he couldn't tell people not to watch the show and then appear on it. "It's not about courage," he said.

MSNBC, which telecasts the radio show, said Imus' expressions of regret and embarrassment, coupled with his stated dedication to changing the show's discourse, made it believe suspension was the appropriate response.

"Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word," the network said late Monday.

Imus, who has made a career of cranky insults in the morning, was fighting for his job following the joke that by his own admission went "way too far." He continued through the day Monday, both on his show and Sharpton's.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who marched with about 50 protesters Monday outside NBC offices in Chicago, said Imus' suspensions will not halt the protests.

"This is a two-week cooling off period," Jackson said. "It does not challenge the character of the show, its political impact, or the impact that these comments have had on our society."

Imus could be in real danger if the outcry causes advertisers to shy away from him, said Tom Taylor, editor of the trade publication Inside Radio. The National Organization for Women is also seeking Imus' ouster.

Imus isn't the most popular radio talk-show host — the trade publication Talkers ranks him the 14th-most influential — but his audience is heavy on the political and media elite that advertisers pay a premium to reach. Authors, journalists and politicians are frequent guests, and targets for insults.

He has urged critics to recognize that his show is a comedy that spreads insults broadly. Imus or his cast have called Colin Powell a "weasel," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson a "fat sissy," referred to Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, an American Indian, as "the guy from `F Troop,"' and to Gwen Ifill, a black journalist, as "the cleaning lady." He and his colleagues also called the New York Knicks a group of "chest-thumping pimps."

On his show Monday, Imus called himself "a good person" who made a bad mistake.

"Here's what I've learned: that you can't make fun of everybody, because some people don't deserve it," he said. "And because the climate on this program has been what it's been for 30 years doesn't mean that it has to be that way for the next five years or whatever because that has to change, and I understand that."

Baseball star Cal Ripken Jr., who was to appear on Imus' show Tuesday to discuss a new book, canceled the appearance.

"He didn't want anyone getting the message that he agreed in any way, shape or form with the comments," said John Maroon, Ripken's publicist. "It was the right thing to do."

The "Today" show's Al Roker said Tuesday on his show's official blog that it was time for Imus to go. "I, for one, am really tired of the diatribes, the 'humor' at others' expense, the cruelty that passes for 'funny,"' Roker said.

Even Howard Stern of Sirius Satellite Radio, a big fan of unrestricted content, mocked Imus' apology, according to the New York Daily News. "He's apologizing like a guy who got his first broadcasting job," Stern said. "He should have said, '(expletive) you, it's a joke."'

Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, whose presidential candidacy has been backed by Imus on the air, said he would still appear on Imus' program.

"He has apologized," McCain said. "He said that he is deeply sorry. I'm a great believer in redemption."

Imus' radio show originates from WFAN in New York City, and distributed by CBS Radio. Both, like CBSNews.com are parts of CBS Corporation. The radio program is also broadcast on the MSNBC cable channel.

Imus' fate could ultimately rest with two of the nation's most prominent media executives: CBS Corp. chief Leslie Moonves and Jeff Zucker, head of NBC Universal (which is owned by General Electric Co.).

"He will survive it if he stops apologizing so much," said Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers. Imus clearly seems under corporate pressure to make amends, but he's nearly reached the point where he is alienating the fans who appreciate his grumpy outrageousness.

Even if he were to be fired, he's likely to land elsewhere in radio, Harrison said.

[waawaaley]

Hey, There are a lot better stations then MSNBC and CBS, I only went to MSNBC to watch Imus In the morning, now I just moved over to CNN, screw MSNBC. I have not found my nitch listening to the radio, Lots of rap and sexist programs, if CBS thinks they did the right thing, they better start listening to there own programs, what a mess. Some said that this a start to clean up the air ways, and talking points for race relation. You can talk all you want but until you bring family values back into the home and schools, you are not going nowhere. Lets start with morals at home and school and disapline.

[sparkkxx]

spammeister, are you guys going to let the whole "rap" thing go. It is not acceptable for ANYONE to call a girl a ho. Why do you keep justifying this man's actions by rappers???... I really hope you are not of the feminine gender. you guys are dispicable! How can you even for once justify his actions. It is not right for a man, a rapper, and entertainer, NO ONE to call a woman a ho! What says a "nappy head ho". It is obvious who he was talking to. At least in rapping, it is generalized and only idiots would take it personally, but Imus targetted a specific set of ladies...that's the difference!

[joeblowfromcocamo]

I'm so glad my family does not watch television. Who really cares? Who actually takes Imus serious? In that fact who takes Jackson and Sharpton serious? Yeah fire Imus so what. That does not ignore the underlying racial and class tensions in this country. Really it is better to have all these idiots, with their racial slurs and counterpoints, in the forefront of media than to let it fade away and fester and brew in the background as home grown terrorists hatch in our backyards.

CBS should interview Snoop Dog to get the pimp/ho perspective. I think you dropped the ball on that CBS. Think of how many new young viewer$ this would attract. After all another 10 soldiers died in Iraq today for our freedom$.

Were the "white" girls of Rutgers offended or was it cool for them to be categorized this way?. I wonder what kind of music and videos these women watch? Do they dress in a puritanical fashion off the court? Will they need years of therapy? Probably so after the media is through with them and they realize they are just people like everyone else who has to deal with everyday life. After all, another 10 soldiers died in Iraq and Afghanistan today for their freedom$.

I love to watch hypocrites interviewing hypocrites. Some good does come out of this as I can use this as a lesson to teach my children on how not to act like an idiot when they become adults. It's sad we all have to grow up to behave like children instead of keeping the honesty of our childhoods in tact.

[kelleycox]

Guess CBS no longer believes in freedom of speech.
Guess Rutgers does not believe either.

Frightening to know I am alive during a time where we all as humans will be forced to never speak at all.

Imus has been doing this for years. Best press CBS has gotten in years and years. And they fire him? I pay a pretty penny for my cable, and yes, I have been annoyed that my week has been all about Imus and Rutgers' need for press and respect regarding women's basketball.

There are so many bigger issues out there...more important issues, and I was always grateful for the humor of Imus. Humor keeps us all from taking ourselves too seriously. If someone wants to call me a ho, who cares, I don't, whether I am one or not. And there is not one friend or acquaintance of mine...caucasian, african american, asian, hispanic, etc. that has not had nappy hair at some point.
We're all human.

Spend some time researching Rush L., Glenn Beck (Obama is not black enough), Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, Michael Medved and William Bennett (abort all black babies, the crime rate will drop).

Educate yourselves on racism. True racism. Not humor that provides a press opportunity and is a threat to our freedoms. Haven't enough of them been taken away already?

[kelleycox]

Guess CBS no longer believes in freedom of speech.
Guess Rutgers does not believe either.

Frightening to know I am alive during a time where we all as humans will be forced to never speak at all.

Imus has been doing this for years. Best press CBS has gotten in years and years. And they fire him? I pay a pretty penny for my cable, and yes, I have been annoyed that my week has been all about Imus and Rutgers' need for press and respect regarding women's basketball.

There are so many bigger issues out there...more important issues, and I was always grateful for the humor of Imus. Humor keeps us all from taking ourselves too seriously. If someone wants to call me a ho, who cares, I don't, whether I am one or not. And there is not one friend or acquaintance of mine...caucasian, african american, asian, hispanic, etc. that has not had nappy hair at some point.
We're all human.

Spend some time researching Rush L., Glenn Beck (Obama is not black enough), Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, Michael Medved and William Bennett (abort all black babies, the crime rate will drop).

Educate yourselves on racism. True racism. Not humor that provides a press opportunity and is a threat to our freedoms. Haven't enough of them been taken away already?

[kelleycox]

Guess CBS no longer believes in freedom of speech.
Guess Rutgers does not believe either.

Frightening to know I am alive during a time where we all as humans will be forced to never speak at all.

Imus has been doing this for years. Best press CBS has gotten in years and years. And they fire him? I pay a pretty penny for my cable, and yes, I have been annoyed that my week has been all about Imus and Rutgers' need for press and respect regarding women's basketball.

There are so many bigger issues out there...more important issues, and I was always grateful for the humor of Imus. Humor keeps us all from taking ourselves too seriously. If someone wants to call me a ho, who cares, I don't, whether I am one or not. And there is not one friend or acquaintance of mine...caucasian, african american, asian, hispanic, etc. that has not had nappy hair at some point.
We're all human.

Spend some time researching Rush L., Glenn Beck (Obama is not black enough), Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, Michael Medved and William Bennett (abort all black babies, the crime rate will drop).

Educate yourselves on racism. True racism. Not humor that provides a press opportunity and is a threat to our freedoms. Haven't enough of them been taken away already?

[sparkkxx]

Is this really a race issue????...or a gender issue!! Someone, please do me a favour and answer that!!!!

[sparkkxx]

I really have to say, I hope there are no "ladies" here, condoning, what Imus says! It is a shame and completely ridiculous, that people here are referring to rap music!!! I am a black woman, but please...I am a woman! I have made the conscious decision not to listen to rap music because I feel like it degrades women, however that's not the point here. The point is, he says "hos"...Ladies stand up for yourself, where is the respect for women, in general??? All of you should be proud that he got punished. Maybe more people (including the rap industry) should be punished more often for degrading women! With that said I am appalled, as to how many people are making this a black, white issue (I am sure some women, are included, and I say women no ladies, because Ladies would know better)! It does not matter your race, calling a woman a ho is wrong and ridiculous! All of who are of the the feminine gender, should be ashamed to stand up for this man. Also note, whereas I do not condone wrap music, it is general. What they say is general, and as I often say the women who listen to them are stupid. However, in Imus' case he called a specific set of ladies "nappy headed hos". That is completely different! Stop Ladies! Stand up, and be proud to be a lady! Ladies, Goodafternoon

[alicemarple]

That is 100% correct.

[waawaaley]

I Man is done, he had down more good then bad, he is a shock jock, I do not agree on many things he said, but I laugh or shake my head. Every one in there life gets hurt one way or another, remember as a kid growing up how many times have hurt your best friend, you made up and still played together. Now days we must do it the Jesse Jackson or the Al Sharpton way, don't forgive ruin the man and keep kicking him whiles his down hes only a white man. Remember there are white girls on the team, but they don't count, I notice some of the pictures of the team, NO WHITES. Have any one (white) gone to black comedy club. Since you stand out you will picked on all night, you even may leave in short time like I did because of racial insults. What I am trying to get accross it is a two way street, if Imus gets so should Sharpton, Jackson, Chris Rock, Rush Limbaugh Hip Hop and Rap music and all the other moroons. Speaking of RAP music I will bet that more then half that team listens or dances to this music and its not hurting them.

[bigal321321]

This is all ludicrous. We are controlled by something called PLM. Look it up. It will scare you. Have you asked yourself why you're watching on four different networks about Don Imus and the Duke scandal when soldiers are dying in Iraq? Media control from politicians and lawyers. If it were 1967 you can guarantee that all networks would be covering the war. Let Don retire and get back to covering what really matters. I can tell that Dan Rather doesn't work for CBS anymore.

[gnut4]

I wonder how big of an issue this would be if Don Imus happened to be black.

[gnut4]

I wonder how big of an issue this would be if Don Imus happened to be black.

[cjelou]

Case in Point, read the comments posted by "nggr"!
Is that supposed to be okay?

[cjelou]

I do not beleve that I am racist in any way, shape or form. However, if African American's can call each other names such as, "*****'s" and "ho's", as part of their everyday conversation, not intentionally degrading each other, why is it not okay for white people to use the same terms, with the same intentions? Don Imus' show is about the "comedy" of it as harsh as that may be at times, look back at his record, who has he not made derogatory comments about? Has the network or the public for that matter had a problem with it up until now? I feel that this situation has been taken way out of control.

[bcrosby33]

I hope these intelligent young women are sincere in truly wanting to accomplish something by talking with Imus. Maybe they can lead the media and the people yelling "off with his head" to a more logical and forgiving conclusion.
I do believe that if this is the toughest thing they have ever faced they are lucky, and if this has scarred them for life they aren't ready to face the world as adults. I've spent my career working with people who have been raped, beaten, shot, had family members killed etc.! Let's put this in perspective. The man was very wrong, he apologized and is being punished. But he is a man. We seem to expect less from the people running our country than a radio talk show host!

[ktmj]

I have no hesitation in calling for him to go. My daughters and I watched the NCAA final four and championships, and our impression of the Rutgers team was 180 degrees opposite from Imus the Neanderthal. The grace and athleticism of Matee, Essence, Kia, Epiphanny, and Heather was an inspiration to my daughter, an aspiring basketballer herself. We loved this Rutgers team - sure Tennessee was slick and a well-oiled machine and Candace Parker is an idol, but Rutgers was the accessible team, the neighborhood girls with the right perspective -- excellent students, solid women with an impeccable role model coach. How some imbecile can spout out the filth that Imus and his lackey tools did is so far below my level of understanding, it makes me ashamed to call myself an American if he does. He does not speak for me or for America, I hope. No wonder we are laughing stocks to the rest of the world - these high profile idiots are what the world sees as America. God help us all.

[conneide]

Imus should not be fired unless Jesse Jackson( Hymie town, illegitimate child funded by Rainbow Coalition money), Al Roker,(sexist comments at CCNY event) and the ubiquitous Al Sharpton (Tawana Brawley) are fired too.
Oh, and let's not leave out the "honorable" Senator Corker (see anti-Harold Ford political commercial) from Tennessee. And, maybe, Saxby Chambliss (see vicious political ad against Vietnam amputee Max Cleland),
and almost all rap music performers, too.
Anybody ever hear of rap music????

[iddiebartley]

I feel that this has gone really far. Imus was caught up in the moment. I don't believe that came from his heart. Imus apologized, now what else can he do? Should he kill himself? Would that make you feel happy? Most people use racial slangs, many are not even prejudiced. Let Imus keep his job! Imus is sorry. I am Iddie Bartley and African American.

[iceman_1960]

Go watch the CBS video of the Rutgers womens' basketball team press conference.

They are very accomplished and well spoken (I almost said "articulate" but I stopped myself in time) women, as you would expect of Rutgers University student athletes.

They include a former high school class valedictorian, a premed student and a classical musician who plays seven instruments.

In other words, the type of women who wouldn't give Don Imus and Bernard McGeek the time of day in high school.

No wonder they're so bitter.