Sports Columnists

By randy

April 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

terence, you need to look in the mirror!

By Joe Bob

April 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Let him Stay.. Good Call Terrence!

By Vol4ever

April 11, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I agree with you on this one Terrance. What he said was completely out of line but unless the rappers have to abide by the same, nothing will change.

By Robert Wright

April 11, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Hi Terence - Yet another excellent piece from you. Agree wholeheartedly.

By Sheldon

April 11, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Yeah don’t fire him because you will then have to fire all the rappers who use same vulgar terms. That’s a stupid cmparisson the rappers who may use the phrase “napped headed hos” are referring to people they have come in contact with personally not someone they never met.

By TrekkieBear

April 11, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

For all the white folks who will read this:

What is hard for me to believe, even after seeing it with my own eyes, is that there are white folks everywhere are defending his comments. Here is their reasoning:

1. It’s only comedy; black folks should just get over it.

2. Black comedians and rappers say stuff like this all the time so why should “they” get mad just because a white guy said it?

That second question always makes me so angry. I challenge anyone to find a lyric or a comedy act by anyone black where the words “nappy headed ho” are said all together in one sentence.

To be blunt, slavery is over. It ended with the Emancipation Proclamation. White folks do not get to dictate to black people what they can or cannot say anymore. If we choose to use those words among ourselves, then that is black folks prerogative. White folks need to start getting used to the idea that they do not possess superiority over black people. You cannot tell us what to say and how to say it. Moreso, when we tell you that the words you use to us and about us are insulting, you need to listen and you need to quit. It’s that damn simple. And there is no need to ask “Why?”

But since some white people will inevitably ask why I will explain why. The struggle isn’t over the words, the struggle is over power. And white people like Don Imus and George Bush and your next door neighbor and your bigot sister or cousin refuse to relinquish the power those words have. White People insist on saying them and on retaining the RIGHT to say them. And just like other rights and privileges white folks are determined to keep to themselves, it’s not something you’ve earned, it’s something you’ve stolen based solely on the power of your skin. Not brains or beauty or ability or some magical god-like white power that conveys on you the dominion of all things, just your skin is deemed “white” and mine is not.

So now, I ask you ‘Why?’ Why is that white people need to be able to say those words “just because black people do.” Why is it so important to you? Why is it so important to be able to say the words but also to give the impression that oh, no, you would never do such a thing and you certainly don’t condone anyone else saying it.

Yet when your friends and family or even Don Imus speak such things, you remain silent. And you allow him to get away with a slap on the wrist vacation of a two-week suspension. Wink wink nudge nudge, boys will be boys, right?

But he’s a sixty year old man who should know better.

White people need to wake up about the level of insult words like this possess and the message they convey when they don’t stand up against it. Telling black people to get over it is blatantly agreeing with the offender and the offense.

Frankly, there is no truth to the lie that these words would be used together by black people in every day speech unless you were delivering the basest of insults and ready to fight. These words are not acceptable among ourselves. My husband would never say anything like this to me unless he was ready for a divorce. And I would certainly never allow anyone to say this to my daughter without a lawsuit or delivering an old fashioned American a* whupping. Either will suffice.

To my white friends, it’s not enough to simply be outraged or sympathetic. You have to be the one to tell your friends that this is not ok. You have to be the ones to make the phone calls of protest. You have to be the ones to not laugh the next a friend or coworker makes bigoted or racist remarks.

And you have to be the one to actually speak up - not just stay silent because you don’t want to “offend anyone.” When you see and hear things like this SPEAK UP. Yes, even to your family and friends. That is what I ask of you, demand of you. Do not stay silent because your silence, to a bigot, is approval.

Black people have carried the ball of protest but it’s time for white folks to stand up and if you don’t agree with the likes of Don Imus say it.

By Ramble ON!

April 11, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

[http://ibdeditorials.com/Cartoons.aspx], SHELDON you clearly are not on any debate team.

By Tony

April 11, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Not sure that rappers are refering to women’s college backetball players in their lyrics

By Hawg

April 11, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

TrekkieBear

get a job - you have too much time on your hands

By gdg73

April 11, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I was with you until the rapper comment. A pretty good article was ruined by one sentence. Sometimes you out think yourself. After we clean up the language of rap artists, let’s go after the violence as portrayed in the motion picture industry. Then we can have the Sopranos and Growing Up Gotti taken off of T.V. for glorifying the mob/thug lifestyle. Oh, wait a minute, that’s a different kind of thug.

By mo

April 11, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

No, Imus should go. Who cares if he changed? I don’t. Punishment is the key here.

Now as far as rappers are concerned that uses derogatory words regarding women and other racially-disparaging remarks (because there are rappers out there that doesn’t do that), believe it… it’s all a scam to bring dollars to their pockets.

See, what is the target audience of these rappers? Or rap music in general? It is the white teenager (ages 12-17) that lives in the suburbs whose household incomes are $75k+. Ask any rapper or producer of rap music and they will tell you the same thing. Suburban white teenagers spend more on rap music per capita than any other ethnic group… and the total annual spending of rap music has a huge outlay within that market segment.

So, uh, is what you see in the videos real? Do most black people REALLY speak that way about women and themselves?

Of course not. Most black people that I know would not let another black person call him the ‘N’ word without being corrected. And most black people would not just arbitrarily call black women the common deroratory remarks that you hear via rap music.

So, why is it so prevalent in rap music? Because most rapper are frauds.

See, it’s all a formula.

The hip hop community (which listens to all kinds of music, and many think very disternly at current rap music) loves the “Rags-to-Riches” story. So, in order to start this, you have to have come from a bad part of the neighborhood. Then, you have personal strife within your family (either your father was not there or something.) Next, you initially give in to outside pressure of the streets by either selling drugs, gang activity, or any combination. Then, you have some tragic event (betrayal, jail, death of a loved one, etc.) and you decide to give up that lifestyle and “report” what you have seen through rap music.

And the target audience believes it to the point of dropping over $1Billion in revenues in record sales per year.

Yep! They actually believes that most black people that is “keeping it real” act that way… while most of these rappers are actually college-educated businesspeople that translated strange tales, written in rhythmic form down on paper, with synchronized drums and sampled sounds into a multibillion-dollar industry… but advertising a false sense of what it means to be a real black man in America.

By Bill

April 11, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

People give you a bad rap for discussing race in general and race in sports. They’re wrong. Instead of talking about things like this too much, we shy away from it - either from political correctness, fear or for other less decent reasons.

It’s a topic that needs intelligent commentary and - for my money - you offer that. People don’t have to agree - I don’t always agree with you myself. But sometimes I do. Sometimes I learn something. Sometimes it helps me reason out what I feel and why.

Instead of shying away from this kind of talk reasonable people ought to welcome it.

By RW

April 11, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I agree with you Terrence and I also agree what Imus said was deplorable, there is no valid excuse for his comments. However, this is not an issue for Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to make money on. This is an issue regarding the young women on Rutgers basketball team who deserve to be getting positive press about their personal accomplishments and almost winning a national title. So far, from what I have seen and heard in the press, the young women of Rutgers are taking the high road and showing class in regards to this issue. Imus is a coward, he said what he meant and now he is backing away, the man has no spine to match his no brain. I also think we have a HUGE double standard going on here. It is not okay for anyone to call a women a ho and that goes for rappers who own five houses, ten cars and are rich, you shouldn’t be doing it either. Rappers are making millions doing this in their music. Is Al and Jesse going to boycott rap music and picket the home of best selling rappers? No, they would never do this. Imus and the rappers are the same when they refer to our daughters, sisters and mothers in this manner.

By dzac

April 11, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Terrence, milk with oreos

By jc

April 11, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

what a shame, a white journalist calling people names….why don’t sharpton and jackson worry about the real problems

By randy

April 11, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

have any of you seen any of chris rocks video’s. you should. because he calls a spade a spade and it is pretty nasty, and he is one of yours!

By uncle tom

April 11, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Just curious if Rev’s Al and Jesse are headed to Durham to confront the “issue” of rape!

By Jameyan

April 11, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Terrence Moore is an idiot. You right don’t fire Imus you need to be fired. This is the most rediculous blog I have ever read.

By Keeping it real

April 11, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

we all have no room to talk. We all have some issuse. Sport writer hide under sports to throw stones. Imus is not by him self .look at AJC when Vick story came out not as bad as IMUS but the intent was still there . Jeff Schluz did wrong ESPN FOX, SI. They all come so close in talking about people and have the fact wrong. They just tell how they feel. It happens all the time just not as bad. Read the sport page across america. Read the blog pages on AJC sport Hate full we all have a hand in it!

By FLAFALCON

April 11, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. I grew up in Metro Atlanta and most of the black kids I went to school with referred to each other N* words or “hoes” or “Nappy head.” This is not white terminology. We did not come up with this type of language. Don Imus was joking. He makes fun of everyone. The people who get the most insults from him are “fat, mouth breathing rednecks” as he calls them. If you heard his program, you would know that this is is schtick. He insults Asians (Gooks as he calls them), Hispanics, nothing is off limits. He is not the only shock jock doing such behavior. Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly are other radio personalities that I find insulting and disgusting, but what I do when I hear them is turn the channel. It’s called FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and it is a right that our ancestors have fought and died for, Black and White alike. Not everyone will get along with everyone else, but we all have the option to tune them out if we do not like it. It does not make his comments right, but it certainly does not demean a whole race as the pundits are making out. Between the war in Iraq, Poverty, absent father figures, black on black crime, and a society that looks down on success as “Uncle Toms or sell outs” there are many other issues to get worked up over. Don’t let someone else’s stupid words get you so worked up. Especially when the context was an ignorant joke from a Crusty old itiot.

By BullDawg

April 11, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

For one of the few times, I agree w/you, Terrence. It’s funny how the Revs Sharpton and Jackson preach about a God of forgiveness and reconciliation - no matter who you are - yet, someone does something idiotic and they want to crucify him. Yeah, it was flat it idiotic, but not the end of the world. It’s only news b/c he said it on the radio. It’s funny how you can call someone a fraud, liar, and someone who sleeps w/his mom in attempt to “assinate” their character (see People vs. Larry Flint), but if you call someone a homo who actually is a home or someone ugly or give a perceived racial comment, then it is grounds for firing. It’s also funny how all the good you do (see all the fundraising and awareness Imus has done for children of all color and all backgrounds) doesn’t matter anymore b/c 1 stupid thing you said.

This is technical, but I understood Imus actually didn’t say the word “ho” - that was the other guy.

By Apples n Oranges

April 11, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

For TrekkieBear,

Generally speaking I agree with what you say.

But, the fact that you start your arguement with the two “white” arguements destroys everything you’ve written.

You want white people (your white friends) to stand up and fight against derogatory comments toward black people, but you make a derogatory generalization about whites to start your argument. Get over yourself.

You might want to stop making insulting comments regarding other races before demanding something from them.

Food for thought. Take it or leave it.

By De in Las Vegas

April 11, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

What I want to know is, what part of the statement NAPPY-HEADED-HOES IS CAUSING ALL THE FUSS?

For an older, wealthy guy like Imus to even know two black smears, and to use them in combination, shows just how mainstream the black language has become. not just a “ho”, not just “nappy-headed”, but a “nappy-headed ho”…..that takes some knowledge to put that one together in making your point.

We use it in our music, movies and every comedy played across America. No other group but African American make daily derogatory references about their nationality. And we think it’s cool, we are keeping it real. Now we have given these degrading words legitimacy, we get upset when it’s used by people outside our race.

As long as we as African Americans continue to degrade ourselves and disrespect each other, we will all ways be disrespected and at some point in time, we will loose the right to be respected. What do we do about the Rappers, comedians and black talk show host that uses these derogatory words in their monologues?

Tell Sharpton and Jackson to go get a job and quit living off our contributions. Why don’t they target these rappers? Where is the protest for them, why don’t they march outside the white record producers office. And who made them spokesman for the team? The girls can handle themselves.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

April 11, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Even though I know this Imus guy meant it as a joke, when you cross the line, you cross that line. That’s the buisiness. Tim Hardaway paid his price and so did that idiot from the universtity of Miami who applauded that moronic fight this season. Michael Richards won’t be selling out any comedy tours anytime soon and this goes back all the way to Jimmy “the Greek”. Why should it be different for Imus. Oh, okay it’s money and ratings. Well if his sponsors keep bailing out on him, then that won’t be a concern much longer either. I’ve served time in the military and have been around those whites who can’t see that line you’re not supposed to cross for whatever reason. Some don’t care about the line, some just don’t realize there is one there. Imus knows there’s one there but as they would say, he had a “brainfart” and it’s eventually going to cost him his job, maybe. He has come close to that line several times and that’s why I believe he’s a goner, because if he continues the way he’s been doing it, a slip-up, or perceived one, is inevitable. He may or may not be racist, I honestly don’t know, but he sure is dumb and that may be more dangerous than anything else. For that reason alone, NBC or whoever runs his show should fire him to show what they are about. Right now, just saying they will suspend him isn’t showing much.

By Morris

April 11, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Don’t like him? Don’t listen to him. Captialism will take care of the rest.

By kreedham

April 11, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Fire Imus! Then you should fire Rush, Sean, Randi Rhodes. You should boycott any comedian black or white that slams people because of heritage, race, sexual orientation, et al.

Al Sharpton should be ashamed. Remember he came into national prominence because of Tawana Brawley. He beat the drumbeat against the establishment in what turned out to be a fabricated story.

What Imus said was wrong and he is making amends. It should not be tolerated but at the same time the media is just making a little too much of this. He’ll live with this scar the rest of his life. Isn’t that enough?

To end, I wish some media person would contact Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock to see what they felt about the situation. My guess is they would say it’s a little too much.

By Dan

April 11, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

So, I guess if a person can intentionaly turn hurtful language into a lucrative marketable, profitable product, and unleash it on whomever thay want to, and to whomever will listen to it, without regard for whoever gets hurt by it (until they are called on it)… then an apoloy suffices? I dont think so. I guess you and I place a different value on human dignity and what our responsibility is to the general public and what gets flushed down the radio and into the public airwaves.

It may be good capitalism but it makes for lousy loving your brother as yourself

By Grampus

April 11, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t care less about Imus keeping his job or not, but just out of curiosity, do black radio hosts, comedians, and blacks in general ever say anything derogatory and/or stereotypical about whites? If the answer is yes, like what?

By Joel

April 11, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I would like to hear Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson publicly apologize to the Duke lacrosse players who’s charges will be officially dropped today. What do you think the chances of that happening are?

By Yari

April 11, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Grampus, which black radio hosts are you referring to?

By buster

April 11, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

it is one thing to insult pols,stars, and other public figures but by insulting young ladies who are learning the game of life he has insulted himself big time. stupid is as stupid does. if he has any advertising sponsors left when he returns,i will be appalled, and will make note of it.

By David Lee

April 11, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Let Rev. Sharpton do what ever he does, so he can apologize to the Duke lacrosse players…LOL. Don’t count on it.

By j

April 11, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I really wish all of yall media ppl would just shut the fark up .. worse has been said and for yall to just keep stirring the pot is just stupid..

HE said he was sorry.. what the hell else do you want!

By TLQ

April 11, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Apples and oranges, I wish more people would digest some of that “food for thought.” You eloquently expressed my exact thoughts when I read those comments by Trekkiebear.

This problem is not a black or white problem. It is a people problem. Everyone needs to stand up when ANY wrong is committed, but I doubt that making derogatory comments about any group of people is the right path to take.

By One

April 11, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Terrence, you are an idiot!!!!

By Jeff Ramsey

April 11, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Lets go after every rappers who has used “HO” in a song. They make millions for using the same term. I think I see a double standard here. Be fair.

By Will

April 11, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

What about his constitutional right to say whatever he wants, regardless of who it offends?

By Grampus

April 11, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Yari, I don’t know any. I’m asking. Seriously, do other races find “humor” in stereotyping whites. I know whites find humor in stereotying other races. Are we the only pathetic losers that do it?

By ab

April 11, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I understand equality for everyone, but for a word to ok on one side and not be ok on the other side and offensive is a double standard and its just stupid! That is the issue Jessie and Al should addressing instead of stringing the “white” man up. Come on “YOU” people!!

By gtfan

April 11, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Terence you suprised me

As someone who constantly plays the race card in your articles, I figured you’d be calling for his head, just like some of your co-workers over in ‘Opinion’

I’m glad you recognize, that while what he said was bad, it wasn’t racist.

Lets not forget all the black, hispanic comedians who make their living off this type of talk. But you don’t see ‘Blue Collar’ guys even going near race issues.

They know Sharpton and Jackson would be all over them.

There’s a double-standard.

By TC

April 11, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I agree with Terence on this call. We need to put more focus on our own people calling our women names in these rap songs etc. So one statment from someone else will cause us to riot, picket, or want him fired? Lets focus on what’s happening in the world today people. There is way too much going on with the war, the children, and GAS Prices!

By Filbert

April 11, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but this white guy just had to weigh in on this. I think Imus was stupid to say what he did and it was wrong, but this is America and freedom of speech includes the freedom to express opinions we don’t agree with or like. What about the ACLU defending the American nazi party’s right to march through Skokie, Illinois, which had the highest popoulation of Holocaust survivors? What about the racist “art” currently displayed at City Hall? Personally, I can’t believe Sharpton has any credibility after the Twana Brawley incident, but back to Imus. You know how I handle people like him? I don’t dial into their program. Simple solution, huh? But some want to control what can and can’t be said, and who can and can’t say it. Sorry, freedom of speech doesn’t work that way, and as for the rappers use it so why can’t I, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Imus is media grandizing pure and simply, and Sharpton and Jackson are capitalizing big time. Why not tackle the fact that an inordinant amount of black children are born our of wedlock and something like 80% live in single parent families? How about when a black kid tries to get a good education he’s accused of “acting white?” Whatever happended to the 60’s “free your mind and your @ss will follow?” So much indignation over what, words. I hear worse language walking downtown Atlanta every day. Words only hurt if you let them and yes, I am aware of all the history invovled especially down in the South. Funny thing. Since moving here 10 years ago, to the South where race relations were supposedly so wonderful, I have been schocked to find how rampant racism is, on both sides, around here. Me, I don’t care is Imus is fired because I still won’t listen to him. But if he is, then anyone who uses such dergoatory langauge, black or white, should face similar measures. THAT’s justice!

By Greg

April 11, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I usually don’t comment on this stuff, but, honestly the guy should get a second shot for most of the reasons mentioned above. I just have one issue, because as usual Terrance just loves to annoy us (look at his ramblings about the falcons and other things to find out what i mean), how on earth is it racist to call Colin Powell a “weasel”? Am I missing something here? You can’t correlate the two not to mention that I’m sure if you go back you’ll see he’s called many politicians weasels and they were white. Not to mention that calling someone a “cleaning lady” isn’t necessrily racist either. It is YOU Terrance that have an image of a black cleaning lady, but, little do you know that white one’s exist too. I’m sure he’s belittled white people in much the same way, but, then it wasn’t racist it was just funny. Bottom line is that people will scream that people are racist at the drop of a hat (not saying that people aren’t),but, I sincerely doubt that Imus is. He’s been on a public radio show for far to long for us not to notice it sooner. He is a SHOCK jock (much like Howard Stern) that just gets paid to ruffle our feathers and it worked (maybe too well) for him this time. I wouldn’t have chosen to call those women “nappy headed ho’s” either, but, it doesn’t mean he’s racist. Suddenly everyone who has any sort of anti-racist agenda (like reverand sharpton) has to poke his head out of the woodwork and make a comment about it because he needs more tv time to boost his rep (has anyone seen Jesse Jackson)? That being said I think it was dumb that he did that and he should get punished by the company he works for, much like I would if I said that to someone (it wouldn’t necessarily constitute my firing either). After he serves his punishment leave it be.

By Anita

April 11, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

He should be fired. Plain and simple. Any employee who offends the customer base of an employer should be held to the same expecations as anyone of us would at our jobs. I can not make slanderous comments, statements, or jokes at my job via email, phone, or watercooler that can offend, insult, or hurt anyone w/out facing termination. Our company has zero tolerance for such actions and that is the premise by which I operate when I show up on THEIR dime. His actions are repetitious. He has done this before on numerous occasions. The message needs to be sent that the company does not tolerant, except or support such tactics as humerous, or necessary to have a successful broadcast. Perhaps when he is let go, Rossie will get the boot next.

By Derek

April 11, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

TREKKIEBEAR I hate to inform you, but I don’t allow my children or any others around them or me for that matter to use any degrading terms (whether for entertainment value or not). No its not okay for white people or * “US” * to use any language that is derogatory. You may tell “white folks” they can’t use the term, and I’m assumming your the same race as me “black”, So I’ll tell you. Don’t use them. Yes fire Don Imus and for that matter Howard Stern. But also if your resrticting free speech for them , then you must also for so called artist who embellish the use of much worse language and actions by our own, children, friends, teachers etc. You seem half-way intelligent, use your brain and think things through before baiting others. Finally for your info, you and I are gonna be long gone before things change because people like you and Imus won’t allow it. Please quit embarrassing us

By Alex

April 11, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe how pathetic black people are. They are more racist then anything! Al Crapton and Jackoff Jackson HATE white people. They want equal rights? Where were they when that painting was put up at city hall that said, “its ok to hate the white man?” Unreal. It’s OK for blacks to use bad words but whites can’t? Just ridiculous. All Imus spoke was the truth. Wear your hair normal africans.

By bdf

April 11, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

First and foremost, I do not condone anyone, shock jock or otherwise that uses racial overtones and comments. However, I find it so interesting that (and I say this from the experiences of being around many of my friends) African-American folks call one another the “n” word and worse, yet are ready to condemn the first white person who utters anything remotely close to these phrases and words. If we are going to collectivly request that people stop using these words and phrases, this should go for everyone. Being a member of ones race does not automatically qualify them to use derogatory racially charged words and phrases against one another for any reason.

By Michael Turner

April 11, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

TrekkieBear I could not agree with you more. First of all, rappers are not out on TV and Radio interviewing politicians who one day will become or have become presidents. Since when rappers are the standards we measure our journalists by. We should not even go after Imus. We should go after the advertisers. If you advertise on his show, you will be called out and be boycotted. Imus comment is not only a racist but also a sexist issue. There needs to be a line drawn. Wake-up white America to your own hypocrisy.

By Shell

April 11, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Black people never use these words. Get real. I have two daughters, one who has what blacks call ‘good hair’ and the other one with so called ‘bad hair’. I refuse to perm my daughter’s hair, she’s only a kid. Yet, my black relatives call her nappy headed all the time.

Don’t fire him. Black people wake up, we’re bringing this stuff on ourselves!

By Reality

April 11, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Don Imus???!! Rutgers women’s basketball???!! Who gives a flip about either one??

By SUZ

April 11, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

I do not agree with what was said about the Rutger Women’s Basketball Team. I do however believe in the right to say whatever he wishes to say along with the Rev Sharpton and the rappers. That is the freedom that we have in this country. I am very sorry that peoples feelings get hurt in the process of free speach but what a priceless right to have.

By Joe

April 11, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

I think he should be allowed to stay as well. What he said is reprehensible and ignorant, but we tolerate the same kind of speech from rap artists and they’ve been allowed not only to continue that type of speech, but they have flourished using it. Remember we allow black comics to make derogatory racial comments about whites, but white comics are not allowed the same leeway. I’m not defending Imus in any way….but I am saying that equality is equality…

By JC

April 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Didn’t know who Don Imus was until a few days ago. Really didn’t care then.

I do know who Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are and all I can say is if Imus ticked them off this much, he’s okay in my book. I can’t stand Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

By KF

April 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

This whole thing is stupid. Getting all riled up and calling for someone to be fired because he called a team a bunch of nappy headed hos goes to show that we’re all way too hypersensative and over the top when it comes to political correctness. Yes, it was inappropriate and uncalled for. Particularly as he’s never met them. And he should apologize to THEM - not to all blacks as a group nor to Al Sharpton or anyone else. Noone else deserves an apology as it isn’t about them. If there’s any ho in this story, its the media ho Al Sharpton looking for attention.

The only people that can be commented on and made fun of nowdays are white males. Stop crying about everything that happens or is said. Don Imus can say whatever he wants about whomever he wants. The marketplace will determine if he stays or goes. Just as I will not listen to the Al Sharpton Radio Show, nobody has to listen to Don Imus.

By JJ

April 11, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Artist: Fugees Album: Blunted on Reality Song: Nappy Heads

Stevie Wonder Song: “nappy headed little boy”

Artist 2Pac
Album Until The End of Time
Released March 27, 2001
Label Interscope
Song F**k Friendz

Song: “I can’t stand no sneaker wearing, nappy haired bi*ch” “while you trickin’ on them other hoes”

source http://www.raplyricssearch.com

I dont give a crap about Imus, he’s grown and what he said is wrong but don’t get on your soapbox and say it’s ok for some but not others.

By David

April 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with what Terence has to say in this matter and I can’t believe I’m saying that! I also think FLAFALCON makes the most cogent and level headed response in this looong list of illogical diatribes. What ever happened to the attitude of “I may not like what you say but I defend to the death your right to say it”?

By so sick of the hype

April 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Hey,

If any of you, which I’m sure that all of you african-americans, listen to the Tom Joyner morning show, all they do is talk about white people. I was listening this morning and they were talking about Anna Nicole’s baby. It was sickening to me. Then in the next sentenance they are talking about Imus. You cant be two-sided all your life. Rev Sharpton ought to focus on all the rapes and violence going on aroung here. Oh, I forgot, its YOUR own race commiting these offenses against YOUR children, so I guess that dis-qualifies the Rev from speaking up. Maybe if you african americans stop to take a look at what your race is talking about, you will stop complaining. You people are not the only ones who have a right to say what they want. Get it through your nappy little heads !! Move on, Live Life !!!

By John

April 11, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Remember, it was our own Atlanta City Councilwoman, Emma Darnell, who said, “We’re going to show whitey just who’s running this city,” when Sandy Springs first tried to move for citihood. Emma Darnell has retained her job.

I deplore what Imus said, but unless we are equally severe with punishment for infractions by ALL races, then we are being reverse racist.

By AR

April 11, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

I am a 39 year old BLACK male and not one of these black/white guy types. I listen to Imus everyday and have for the last 11 years. I like him and accept his apology. I wish the I MAN stop saying we (blacks) use the “phrase” this and that. He only had to say he was sorry and move on. The show is very edgy and most people who watch him get it. He went over the line and it was disturbing and the ladies at Rutgers did not deserve it. With that being said, I would like to say I hate it when something like this happen we get Al and Jessie appearing on TV talking for black america or so it appear that way. Well they don’t always speak for me and us. I respect them both and marvel at their work but stop being and opportunitst all the time. Get on the tube and talk about how we need lower costing health care AL. Jesse talk about how folks are losing their homes everyday with these unfair loans for lower income folks. We need to be SCREAMING about real matters not a stupid comment. This matter is great for racial debates, yes we do debates because racisim is here whether we like it or not. Just dont get on stage and scream about this when there other matters that needed addressed yesterday, not just black folks but for everyone. Oh yea, stop the War and increase the peace.

By Jack Smythers

April 11, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

This whole Imus issue is so hypocritical. Yes what Imus said is absolutely wrong. Al Sharpton is calling for his head, yet Al Sharptom referred to Jews as “Diamond Merchants”. Why aren’t these representatives of black America calling out against the violence and sexism spewed in hip-hop music? Could skin color have something to do with this? And doesn’t it seem that this thing is blown way out of proportion. You would think that Imus murdered someone, judging by the witch hunt that is going on.

By sue

April 11, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Everyone has freedom of speech to voice your opinion…I like black as well as white people..Blacks always use rational when it comes to something they don’t like…Do we have WHITE AMERICA Padgent?? This should be the least of the worries of the people when so much more important things are going on…The news media had a field day on this and reported more about it than more important things… Most anything you say can offend someone…so get a life and sluff it off!!!!!!!!!

By SHABONE

April 11, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

FREEDOM OF SPEECH, ENOUGH SAID.

By GaCracker

April 11, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Imus called the entire Rutgers women’s basketball team “natty headed hos”. Since there are 2 white women playing, this is hardly a racist comment, but I’ll give in to a sexist comment. Now he has apologized, been on Sharpton, is ready to meet the team, and has been suspended for 2 weeks. This is old news now, Move on America. And enough on Anna Nicole Smith also. The media has to overkill these meaningless tidbits!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I must admit I had never heard of this Imus guy until this incident occurred. But drawing a parallel to rappers is misguided. If rappers are using derogatory words to describe their own people, that’s an issue for black people to address on their own. Similarly, if country singers or white comedians were using derogatory words to describe white women, that’s also an issue for white people to deal with on their own. Imus’s comments are worse because a) they are directed towards people of a different race, and b) he has a history of insulting black people on the air. If a black radio host called a predominantly white women’s sports team a bunch of trailer-trash crackers, that would be equally deplorable.

And another major difference between Imus’s comments and rap is that rappers rarely ever use words like “ho” or even “n****” to refer to people of a specific race — by and large, they use those words to describe females and males in general. Not saying it’s OK, but it’s true. The fact that Imus used the term specifically to refer to black women makes it all the more offensive.

And as Token on South Park says, Jesse Jackson is not the emperor of black people. Don’t judge every black person based on the actions of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Finally, what does it say about women’s basketball that this story got more headlines than the entire women’s NCAA tournament?

By kew

April 11, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Tell me, what was racist about “nappy headed ho” That don’t sound like a black or white thing. He didn’t call any particular person out. He was talking about the whole Rutgers team and if I remember correctly, there are white girl on the team to. To be honest with you, they probably were nappy headed after sweating out on the court. And for as the word “ho” that word is associated with with black or white, chinese, hispanic and any other women as long as I can remember - not black women only. So tell me where is the racist statement. Get this, I’m a black man who just don’t get all this craziness.

By hmmmmmm

April 11, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

When it comes down to it….basically, the only difference in the Imus, Sharpton, Jackson and Moore’s of the world is in the spelling of their names..they are all the same in their own method of presentation

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Also, freedom of speech is guaranteed by the government, not by individual companies. The 1st Amendment only says that the government can’t make MSNBC fire Imus. But there’s no 1st Amendment for private companies. If MSNBC wants to fire Imus for his comments, and if the general public wants to condemn Imus, they are completely within their rights to do so.

By Jessica

April 11, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I say give him another shot and see if he’s truly repentent. Rush Limbaugh, Neal Boortz and others have been equally insulting and nobody has asked for their heads on a platter. And, I agree, if Ludacris, Nelly and the rest get away with it, why is everybody going into cardiac arrest over what Imus said. Plus Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are just 2 opportunist who love the TV cameras.

By Soma

April 11, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

LET HIM STAY IS RIGHT DR MOORE. PEOPLE HAVE SAID AND MADE COMMENTS MUCH WORSE THAN THAT! THAT IS NOT INDICATIVE OF WHO THOSE GIRLS ARE ANYWAY. WHAT POWER DOES HE HAVE? NONE. I WISH THAT SHARPTON AND JACKSON WOULD GO AFTER THOSE GANSTER RAPPERS WHOSE LANGUAGE IS BARFOLA. I MUST SAY THERE ARE MANY OTHER’ PROBALLY THINKING THE SAME THING AND CAN’T SAY IT. MOOVE ON….THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A STUNT TO BOOST RATINGS ANYWAY. LET HIM STAY AWAY FOR A WEEK RO TWO AND REALLY SEE IF HE CHANGES…….SO I HE DOESN’T WE SHALL LIVE WITH OR WITHOUT HIS COMMENTS.

By out of towner

April 11, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Ummmm … how is calling Gen. Colin Powell a “weasel” racist? I get the Gwen Ifill slam — and it’s as deplorable as the label he affixed to the Rutgers players. But “weasel” seems to me more of a reference to ethics (or lack thereof) than anything racial/cultural.

By Linda

April 11, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it, Sharpton and Jackson are two of the biggest racists around, its the old double standard. They are allowed to do whatever they want to do but no one else is if it offends them. They are both full of crap and a waste of TV and radio time!

By who cares

April 11, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Geez people, get over it. There are enough REAL problems to contend with in the world right now besides what Don Imus said off-the-cuff about some womens b-ball team.

By kew

April 11, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

White girls can have nappy heads to. And there were white girls on the Rutgers team as well. All women black or white are call a ho by some men. So “nappy headed Ho” has nothing to do with racism.

By J Smith

April 11, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Imus should not be fired because of what he said. How can blacks call each others names(rappers,comedians) and expect not to be called names. They also call others groups of people names and nothing is said. You’ve got to be fair. You can’t do what you want but raise cane when someone else does the same thing. What Imus did was wrong, but it shouldn’t come with him being fired. No one should degrade others over the air waves. There should be a line that you don’t cross. What Imus said is a blacks slang. It and other slangs taken very lightly in the black community which is also wrong. If Imus is fired then all the comedians and rappers need to be fired to by consumers also.

By laneyw

April 11, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Imus is 67 years old, most white people his age are racist anyway, people over 60 (some blacks to) have it in them from way back, because of the era they were born in. This age group is the last of a dying breed racist breed.

If he was somewhat younger between 18-45, I’d say forgive him and move on, but he should be fire and the producer.

By doublestandard

April 11, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I do not agree with what Imus said, it was wrong and mean. But that is what he is paid to do and that is why he is so popular. But this is a double standard, because black comedians and anyone else for that matter can say what they want about whites and get away with it. I would like to see Al sharpton and Jesse jackson come protest a policeman getting killed. Also, people like sharpton and Jackson love stuff like this, because it gives them a reason for making a living. True equality would put them out of business

By savannahjay

April 11, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

hey why doesn’t al sharpton put this kind of effort into getting imus fired and direct it to people like chris rock and these rappers who degrate women and whites and blacks thru the music and jokes they put in our ears? i guess his answer will be turn the station or channel. i guess he would not have a job if there were no race issues though would he???

By Crosby

April 11, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Mr. Moore. I have always felt the FCC was a big waste of time. If what somebody on the public airwaves says is offensive then advertisers will pull their money from them. Advertisers are the ones that make ALL media outlets besides NPR or Public television profitable. So there is no need for a governing body when advertisers and ratings will dictate who is fired and who isn’t. Also, I am a firm believer in the Rev right to protest and I’m a firm believer in Imus being able to practice freedom of speach. I’m a teacher in a public school system and I hear those words used all the time by black, white, and hispanic children.

By Rh

April 11, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

TrekkieBear, I believe Master P, one of the most successful rappers, has song titled “Freak Ho” and the lyrics went like this “Freak Ho” “Freak Ho” “Bend over until your knees touch your elbows”. They love their black women right? Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg had huge success with the song “Bitces aint shi”. The lyrics went like this “Bitces aint shi but hos and tricks, licked on the nuts and suck the dic”.

Please respond to that. I would much prefer to be called a nappy headed ho.

Get real. These 2 examples are just 2 of a million examples that could be named.

By Dawn

April 11, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

What ever happen to freedom of speech? I hate the fact that we are in a world now where we can’t say what is on our mind: good or bad. And the whole idea of offending someone is so out of control. We should be allowed to speak our minds even if it hurts your feelings. People need to get a back bone!

By No Opportunity To Repent

April 11, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Imus supporters are right about two things — the colorful phrase “nappy headed hos” existed before he used it, and he picked it up from probably the same source you did..or how would all the journalists know how to spell it? To me it would be the same as HIV carriers spreading the disease to the innocent — not necessarily any laws against it, but you know it’s waaay wrong.

Once and for all, leave rap and hip-hop out of this. The whole “he can say it, why can’t I?” argument suffers from many flaws.

By Ed

April 11, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Black people should get a clue when it comes to issues that involve Al Sharpton and/or Jesse Jackson. We cannot take these two serious, nor can we take serious any issue these two who, as far as I know, have never had a job other than taking money out of the pockets of ignornat black people. You need to realize, and in a hurry, these two hurt any cause they are associated with far, far more than they help. if you to be taken serious about this issue, tell Dumb and Dumber to back off and put their hands back in their pockets. Can anyone tell me, seriously, what Al and Jesse do for a living other than this type of stuff?

By Rh

April 11, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Fire him so he can go on satellite radio and say whatever the hell he wants for more money?

Ughhhhh?

By Karen P.

April 11, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

What difference would that make, if he stay or go? it is what it is..He is who he is..terence moore just decide to ruffle a few feathers making that statement. Imus meant every word he said and he knew the consequences that would follow… nobody is that stupid

By ahumanbeing

April 11, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Take a look at this…http://www.wsbtv.com/news/11619853/detail.html A non-white, non-moneymaking-to-white-teenager rapper. But yes, a well educated state rep. MO… TREKKIEBEAR and all the rest can kiss my a$$.

By MrWrestling#2

April 11, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

A few thoughts:

To TrekkieBear: Black Americans have no definitive right to decide what non-Black Americans can say to them. If “nappy headed ho” is wrong coming from Imus it is wrong coming from a Black rapper. Right and wrong knows no color line.

To everyone else: That said, Imus should be fired. Not because he used the word “ho” to describe black women but because he called anyone a “ho” on his radio program.

The truth be told in a technical sense this is no racial incident at all because after all there are some white women on the Rutgers basketball team, so I presume they too were calle “ho.”
Of course “we all know what Imus “meant.” Granted we probably do. Yet we can’t be assumptive.

The truth is that common decency should prevent anyone from calling anyone a “ho” on their radio program. Ulitmately this is an issue of civility and decency and not race. On that issue Imus has failed the test.

By 911

April 11, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

first of all can you name any rap song or rapper that says b***,ho or the n-word on public radio or public tv? none,because the play the edited version on the radio & tv. You have to buy the cd to get songs with cursing on them. But Imus said that word on public radio. But this is America if don’t like Imus don’t listen to him if you don’t like rap music don’t buy it! if don’t like Sharpton or Jesse then don’t listen to them. Its not Imus or the rappers its the audience that supports them.This is not the 50’s when there were only 3 tv stations and 10 radio stations,there over 200 radio and tv stations to choose from!

By kew

April 11, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Fire him for saying ugly thing about kids playing basketball but not for saying a racist comment because “nappy headed ho” is not racist, it’s just wrong to say about someone’s child who is not only playing basketball at the college level but is also in school to become great person in society. So that is why he needs to be fired, not for calling them a nappy headed ho. Some of them might have been nappy headed - who knows.

By Joe

April 11, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

I love how Al Sharpton endorsed a cash advance short term lending company/predatory lender in NYC that preyed upon the poor people that considered Al Sharpton their “community leader.” Al is nothing more than a self serving race baiter that needs to create controversy to stay in business.

By War Eagle

April 11, 2007 1:55 PM |