Imus NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (AP):
A predominantly black collegiate women's basketball team yesterday accepted the apology of a radio host who was fired for insulting them, saying they hope the furore over his racial slurs will be a catalyst for change.
Don Imus was fired by CBS Corp. Thursday, in a finale to the stunning fall of one of the most prominent U.S. broadcasters. Imus, who had hosted his radio show for nearly 30 years, sparked outrage and set off a national debate about taste and tolerance with his description of Rutgers University's women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos." Nappy is a derogatory reference to the hair of some black people and "ho" is slang for "whore."
"We, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knight basketball team, accept Mr. Imus' apology, and we are in the process of forgiving," coach C. Vivian Stringer read from a team statement a day after the team met personally with Imus and his wife.
"We still find his statements to be unacceptable, and this is an experience that we will never forget," the statement read.
"These comments are indicative of greater ills in our culture. It is not just Mr. Imus, and we hope that this will be and serve as a catalyst for change. Let us continue to work hard together to make this world a better place."
The decision to fire Imus reflected an attempt at curtailing a culture of permissiveness in which such comments have thrived, the network said.
"Hehas flourished in a culture that permits a certain level of objectionable expression that hurts and demeans a wide range of people," said CBS Corp. chief executive Leslie Moonves in a memo to his staff. "In taking him off the air, I believe we take an important and necessary step not just in solving a unique problem, but in changing that culture, which extends far beyond the walls of our company."
Imus repeatedly apologised for the comments, which came the day after the Rutgers team lost in the national championship game. He was suspended for two weeks by CBS and his advertisers defected as protests mounted, with civil rights leaders calling for his firing.
