The Don Imus Saga (Continued)

You’ll have to put up with me again today talking about the Don Imus-Rutgers Women’s Basketball controversy because everywhere I went Tuesday that was the topic of conversation. Remember the opinions you are about to hear are my own and if you feel I’m off base then blame me…although you could certainly ask the management of WOBM to fire me or suspend me for two weeks (hopefully with pay).

Imus on his nationally syndicated morning radio show last week made a derogatory and offensive comment about the Rutgers Lady Knights. It was a failed attempt at humor in a live, unscripted bit and I’m not here to defend what he said or make light of it. However where this story has gone since would make you think that Imus is a criminal who is responsible for the racial divide in this country.

Tuesday Rutgers players spoke publicly for the first time during a news conference in Piscataway and announced they had agreed to Imus’ request for a private meeting at which time he can directly apologize to them…something he’s done numerous times on the air over the last several days. That meeting will probably take place next week and the players will reserve judgment on whether Imus should be fired until after they hear from him. Many others are calling for his immediate dismissal, which I think is ludicrous.

While his comments were over the line and deplorable he did not break any laws and the radio airwaves are used for much more mean-spirited and irresponsible comments on a daily basis. It is not up to anyone but those who employ him to decide whether a firing is warranted. As it stands now he’ll begin a two-week suspension on Monday and for those who think that’s no big deal then you don’t know radio. We are just beginning the spring ratings period and Imus off the air for two weeks will have an impact on the stations he is heard on. Meanwhile Staples and Proctor & Gamble have pulled ads from his show and others might follow. It’s no different than with this station….if advertisers don’t use us and we don’t have listeners than things sort of take care of themselves. The beauty of radio is it’s free and you have the ultimate say in what stations you listen too.

Despite the agendas of many the bottom line here is that the ONLY thing that matters is whether or not the offended basketball players decide to accept the apology of Don Imus. Everyone else would be better off focusing there energy on solving the world’s problems in a more positive manner.