God Bless

Forever in our hearts and prayers.

Imus In the Mourning

I may have listened to Don Imus's radio show once in my life.  And if I ever have listened, I guarantee it wasn't to the whole show.  That said, Don Imus did not deserve to be fired from his radio show.

I know he's done lots of philanthropic work throughout the years, especially for underprivileged children.  I also know that he's made off-color comments before, including those about race.

But Imus's show is, and always has been, known for provocation.  From examples I've seen in recent days, the "nappy-headed hos" comment is far from his worst ever.  Yet while known "shock jocks" like Howard Stern continue to feature skits like "Black Jeopardy" (where random black contestants have to answer trivia questions by first saying, "What am"), Imus is fired in alleged public outrage.

Another reason a double standard exists here is because Imus is being censured by those with whom he'd so often ideologically agreed.  Most of those leading the charge against Imus were those leading the charge in defense of Howard Stern, and against the FCC for tough regulations after Janet Jackson's boob performed at the Super Bowl.

But apparently Don didn't go down without parting words.

According to AOL News (4/12/07), Imus said on his last broadcast with CBS earlier today that Al Sharpton should apologize to the recently exonorated Duke University lacrosse players, whom Sharpton chastised publicly and nationally last year after allegations of rape were charged against them.

Don't hold your breath, Don.

Approximately one hour ago, it was announced that Imus will meet with the Rutgers University women's basketball team tonight.  I wouldn't be surprised if, after this meeting, the team supports him and leads the call for someone to give him a second chance.

And within a year or two, a women's basketball scholarship will probably exist at Rutgers University in his name.  Or maybe a foundation.  Or something.

And someone will give him another chance, like maybe XM satellite radio, or even a major affiliate. 

(And his studio will be at the Rutgers campus, of course.)

It's just strange enough to be possible.

But while networks (yes, owned by the same companies that produce rap albums) say their reasons behind the firings were because of "the people" and not because of the withdrawn advertising dollars, we know better.

And we also know better than to think justice has truly been served in the firing of Don Imus.