Don Imus Suspended Over Racist, Sexist Comments

Although many are calling for his termination, radio shock-jock Don Imus was suspended April 9, 2007 after making racially provocative and sexist comments on his popular morning show, Imus in the Morning, which also airs on cable television's MSNBC.

The Comments

On April 4, 2007, Imus, 66, was rapping with show producer Sid Rosenberg about the Rutgers University women's basketball team, which lost the NCAA championship game a day earlier. He compared them to "tattooed, male players" and injected a racist and sexist comment about their appearances. Imus said he meant for the comments to be amusing. Two days later, he issued this statement: "It was completely inappropriate and we can understand why people were offended. Our characterization was thoughtless and stupid, and we are sorry."

Suspension Not Enough?

Imus was given a two-week suspension by his employers, CBS Radio and MSNBC. He appeared on the Rev. Al Sharpton's syndicated radio talk show apologizing again for his comments. He said, "Our agenda is to be funny and sometimes we go too far. And this time we went way too far. Here's what I've learned: that you can't make fun of everybody, because some people don't deserve it."

However, civil rights activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, are arguing that Imus should be terminated from his position. Many staged marches, including one in front of the NBC offices in Chicago, Illinois. Members of the Rutgers women's basketball team are planning a private meeting with Imus to discuss his comments.

A New Trend? Let's Hope Not

Imus' celebrity oops is one of many recently publicized:

• Michael Richards shattered his image in 2006 when he made a racist comment during a comedy club appearance.
• And then there's Mel Gibson, who in July 2006 was arrested and spurred some nasty comments about Jews to the arresting officer.
• In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell, a host on The View, attacked Donald Trump for his decision not to oust the then-reigning Miss America, who was caught abusing drugs and engaging in underage drinking. O'Donnell called Trump, who runs the Miss USA organization, a "snake-oil salesman." Trump attacked back, saying O'Donnell was "out of control."