Karith Foster Says She Is No "Sellout"

(CBS)  Eight months after Don Imus infamously labeled the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos," Imus is back on the air with a new African-American sidekick. That sidekick, Karith Foster, has been labeled a sellout by some.

In an exclusive interview with Essence.com, Foster talked about the criticism and what Don Imus is like as a boss.

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Photo Essay: Don Imus

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Despite heavy criticism for partnering with Imus, Foster views the gig as a historic moment. Foster said, "What an opportunity to be a positive role model, not just for African-Americans and not just for women, but especially African-American women."

Foster disagrees with critics who accuse her of being a sellout. On the contrary, she believes taking the job ushers in a new era for African-American women's collective voice.

Foster said, "If people would call me a sellout, I'd have to say they don't know me at all, and I am sorry they feel that way. I would hope and prefer they would see this as an opportunity to have a form of representation where there previously was none."

On working with Imus, Foster said, "He is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He does have the grumpy old man demeanor. I'm not saying that is not who he is. That is definitely part of who he is. But he is definitely a very kind, gentle person."

Foster does not deem Imus' "nappy-headed hos" comment to be malicious. She said, "He was an old white guy trying to be young and hip and use the modern vernacular. And it wasn't funny."

By Karl Moats

[keithle1]

"Nappy-headed hos" is such an obscene thing to say. I don''t think the balck community will EVER recover. Sniff.

[newsguy1972]

I think that nearly everyone makes inappropriate and stupid comments on probably a fairly regular basis. The only ones who don''t are ones who are unable to communicate due to illness or disability.

[ttenchantr]

I love how ever time anyone talks about Imus they say not that he made racially insensitive remarks but they must repeat "nappy-headed hos." We know what he said, must the media repeat itall the time?

[briansgirl2]

I think Imus should be given a second chance to redeem himself. Being an African American female myself, I think he definitely spoke out of turn, it was not funny, but I think he is a good person deep down inside. I don''t go along with him losing his job over what he said. He admitted his mistake, apologized, and it should have stopped there. Welsome back, Mr. Imus!!!