CBS and MSNBC fired the radio shock jock this week after he called the women basketball team from Rutgers "nappy headed hos."
(NEW YORK) - The coach and players of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team said Friday that they have accepted the apology delivered by radio personality Don Imus at the New Jersey governor’s mansion on Thursday night.
C. Vivian Stringer : “We, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights basketball team, accept Mr. Imus’ apology, and we are now in the process of forgiving. We still find his statements unacceptable, and this experience is one that we will never forget.
“These comments are indicative of a greater ill in our culture. It is not just Mr. Imus, and we hope that this will serve as a catalyst for change. Let us continue to work hard together to make this world a better place. As adults we must be leaders in society. We must put children and morality above all else. And we must allow children to be children.
“The healing process must begin. As for the members of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team, their focus needs to return to their studies. We ask that you respect that. We would also like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support throughout this very, very difficult time.”
Imus’s wife, Deirdre, broadcasting this morning in his former time slot on WFAN during it’s annual Radiothon charity drive, described the basketball team as “unbelievably courageous and beautiful women.”
She added that those who are sending hate mail to the team must stop. “If you want to send hate mail, send it to my husband.”
The show's charity fundraiser had raised more than $1.3 million Thursday before Imus lost his job.
The total, Friday had grown to more than $3.2 million for Tomorrows Children's Fund, CJ Foundation for SIDS and the Imus Ranch.
Imus and his wife founded the Imus Ranch, a working cattle ranch near Ribera, New Mexico, 50 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The Imus Ranch is a charitable organization for children with cancer, as well as siblings of SIDS victims.
The annual Radiothon event has raised more than $40 million since 1990.
Rutgers Women's Basketball Team Accepts Don Imus ApologySalem-News.com