CBS Gives Don Imus the Boot

Network follows MSNBC in their dismissal of the radio shock jock who called collegiate Athletes from Rutgers "nappy headed hos."

Don Imus Courtesy: MSNBC

(SALEM) - The CBS network has fired radio host Don Imus for racist remarks he made about the Rutgers University women's basketball team. CBS follows MSNBC in their decision to distance themselves from the shock jock after he called the basketball team a group of "nappy-headed hos" last week.

The AP reports that CBS was under growing pressure to give Imus the boot. Leslie Moonves, CBS President and Chief Executive Officer, says the impact of the statements made by Imus is far reaching when it comes to young people, "particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society." Moonves also told the AP that the situation "weighed most heavily" as the company walked through the decision process.

And as this goes on, Don Imus' annual Radiothon charity drive that is taking place has already raised more than $1.3 million. Numbers were substantially higher than last year's drive, in fact it is reported that they are receiving about 200 more pledges an hour than last year.

Reverend Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have both been vocal critics and many believe their actions helped lead to the downfall of Imus.

An apologetic Don Imus appeared on Sharpton's program and has been making the rounds in efforts to share his public apology, gaining advocates in people like NBC's Matt Lauer. However during the Sharpton program, Imus used the phrase "you people" and that surely didn't add to the resolution of a complicated situation.

The young women athletes who were the targets of what Don Imus called just joking remarks on his nationally syndicated radio show say they were “highly angered” and “deeply saddened” by his words.

The Rutger students say they will meet with Imus and they say they hope to get to know the man who is not behind the camera or microphone. They say the remarks came at a time when the school and it's athletes were celebrating an otherwise momentous occasion. The Rutgers bell is only rung every few years during particularly extraordinary circumstances. The bell was ringing as many of the students and their coach, C. Vivian Stringer, learned of Imus' remarks.

The basketball players haven't said whether they'll accept an in-person apology. At a news conference, one young player said Imus' comments have "scarred" her "for life."

For his part, Imus has apologized in recent days calling his remarks a "stupid, idiotic mistake." But that did not stop three of his big sponsors from pulling their support.

No word yet as to whether Imus will follow in the footsteps of his foe turned advocate Howard Stern, who pulled away from the regular radio waves and moved to satellite.

Imus, his wife, and the Rutgers women's basketball team met last night.

Head coach C. Vivian Stringer said “We had a very productive meeting with Mr. Imus. We were able to share our thoughts and feelings, as did he. I am extremely proud of these 10 young women, and I now hope for this group the healing process can truly begin. We are hoping some good can come out of this, and we’re looking forward to putting this behind us.”