Team to meet with Imus despite disparaging comments
Steven Williamson / News Editor
Issue date: 4/11/07 Section: Page One
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Racist. Sexist. Despicable. Deplorable. Abominable.
These are only some of the words Rutgers women's basketball head coach C. Vivian Stringer used to describe Don Imus' recent comments about her team in a press conference held in the Louis Brown Athletic Center on Livingston campus yesterday.
Imus will meet the team on an undisclosed date in an undisclosed location to apologize in person.
The radio host's race- and gender-biased remarks, which were simulcast across the country one week ago, placed him under national scrutiny.
Since then, civil rights activists such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton vocally hounded Imus and MSNBC, the network that simulcasts his show. Sharpton called for Imus' resignation, saying he will picket WFAN, the station that broadcasts Imus' show, until the radio host is fired.
Imus has repeatedly apologized, saying he is a good man who made a bad mistake. Regardless, MSNBC and CBS suspended his program for two weeks, effective next Monday.
Stringer was joined by her team, along with University President Richard L. McCormick and Athletic Director Robert E. Mulcahy III, to discuss their stance on Imus' comments.
McCormick spoke in admiration of the basketball team, praising its perseverance both throughout the season and in its current situation.
"The Rutgers community is extraordinarily proud of our women's team," he said. "They overcame great odds through their talent, drive and hard work."
The president decried Imus' remarks as deeply hurtful.
"Mr. Imus' comments were offensive to the Rutgers University community, as well as the entire nation," McCormick said. "In this difficult time, we must make an increased commitment to tolerance, civility and equality."
Stringer agreed, saying the current situation demanded a time for change.
The charismatic coach expressed her disbelief that anyone could make such comments to young women, five of whom are only one year out of high school.
These are only some of the words Rutgers women's basketball head coach C. Vivian Stringer used to describe Don Imus' recent comments about her team in a press conference held in the Louis Brown Athletic Center on Livingston campus yesterday.
Imus will meet the team on an undisclosed date in an undisclosed location to apologize in person.
The radio host's race- and gender-biased remarks, which were simulcast across the country one week ago, placed him under national scrutiny.
Since then, civil rights activists such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton vocally hounded Imus and MSNBC, the network that simulcasts his show. Sharpton called for Imus' resignation, saying he will picket WFAN, the station that broadcasts Imus' show, until the radio host is fired.
Imus has repeatedly apologized, saying he is a good man who made a bad mistake. Regardless, MSNBC and CBS suspended his program for two weeks, effective next Monday.
Stringer was joined by her team, along with University President Richard L. McCormick and Athletic Director Robert E. Mulcahy III, to discuss their stance on Imus' comments.
McCormick spoke in admiration of the basketball team, praising its perseverance both throughout the season and in its current situation.
"The Rutgers community is extraordinarily proud of our women's team," he said. "They overcame great odds through their talent, drive and hard work."
The president decried Imus' remarks as deeply hurtful.
"Mr. Imus' comments were offensive to the Rutgers University community, as well as the entire nation," McCormick said. "In this difficult time, we must make an increased commitment to tolerance, civility and equality."
Stringer agreed, saying the current situation demanded a time for change.
The charismatic coach expressed her disbelief that anyone could make such comments to young women, five of whom are only one year out of high school.