It seems like everyone is tossing in their two cents worth on the offensive comments made by syndicated radio talk show host Don Imus about members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team. While I’m not here to defend Imus count me among those who don’t thing he should be buried either.

In case you have not followed the story it all centered on an on-air exchange between Imus and one of his sidekicks on this popular national morning-show the day after Rutgers lost to Tennessee in the National Championship game. At one point Imus said “that’s some nappy-headed hos there, I’m going to tell you that” in reference to the Scarlet Knights.
It was an attempt at humor and not one of the better ones in his long career.

The reaction to the comment was swift and somewhat expected although I don’t think anyone would have imagined it would become this big of a national story. Minority groups and leaders called for Imus to be fired and his subsequent apology was not very well received and accepted. He agreed that the comments were in poor taste and while he seemed sincere the apology only fueled a growing fire.

Among those rallying against Imus was the Rev. Al Sharpton and Monday Imus appeared on the syndicated radio program hosted by the black leader.
He admitted the joke went way too far and tried to defend himself by saying he’s a good person who made a big mistake. Imus acknowledged that times are different and promised that he will be more careful with his words in the future.

That does not appear to be good enough to Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson
and others who want him taken off the air, which will be the case for the next two weeks. CBS Radio and MSNBC, which telecasts the show, have announced a two-week suspension beginning next Monday.

Imus is certainly not for everyone and his show is not one you would want your young children to hear. But make no mistake, he is not a Howard Stern-like shock jock but rather an intelligent personality who regularly lines up the best guests heard anywhere. He’s also used his air time to raise millions of dollars for various charities, most associated with children. That does not give him a free pass for what he said about the Rutgers women but how about a mulligan?