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Roker says Time for Imus to Go

Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:10 AM by Jen Brown

(From Al Roker)

I cannot tell you how many people have asked me about my thoughts on Don Imus. As a student of broadcasting, I know Don Imus was one of the original “shock jocks.” I listened to him growing up in New York City in the late '60s and early '70s.

He is a radio icon.

That said, it is time for him to go.


I, for one, am really tired of the diatribes, the “humor” at others’ expense, the cruelty that passes for “funny”. Don Imus isn’t the only one doing this, but today he’s the one in the hot seat.


What he said was vile and disgusting. It denigrated an entire team and by extension, a community and its pride in a group that had excelled.


This controversy started and grew during the week. At first under the radar, we even had Don’s wife, Deidre, on the program, talking about “green” cleaning. I thought she was so good I wanted to talk to her about a television program for my production company.


Don and his wife have done a lot of good things—raising money for charity, including a ranch for children suffering from cancer and blood disorders.

Yet, Don Imus needs to be fired for what he said. And while we’re at it, his producer, Bernard McGuirk, needs to be canned as well. McGuirk is just as guilty, often egging Imus on.


The “I’m a good person who said a bad thing” apology doesn’t cut it. At least he didn’t try to weasel out of this by hiding behind alcohol or drug abuse. Still, he said it and a two-week suspension doesn’t cut it. It is, at best, a slap on the wrist. A vacation. Nothing.

The general manager of Cartoon Network resigned after a publicity stunt went wrong and caused a panic in Boston. He did the right thing. Don Imus should do the right thing and resign. Not talk about taking a two-week suspension with dignity. I don’t think Don Imus gets it.


After watching and listening to him this morning during an interview with Matt Lauer (video), Don Imus doesn’t get it. Maybe it’s being stuck in a studio for 35 years or being stuck in the 1980s. Either way, it’s obvious that he needs to move on. Citing “context within a comedy show” is not an excuse.


He has to take his punishment and start over. Guess what? He’ll get re-hired and we’ll go on like nothing happened. CBS Radio and NBC News needs to remove Don Imus from the airwaves. That is what needs to happen. Otherwise, it just looks like profits and ratings rule over decency and justice.

 

* Editor's Note: The response to Al's blog has been overwhelming, and Al will talk more about his blog on tomorrow's show.  We're trying to post as many comments as possible, but it's hard to keep up.  Thanks for sharing.

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Comments

Mr. Roker: Without a doubt, Mr. Imus' comments were offensive. However, when I hear Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton speak, it makes me just as furious to know that these two men are considered the leaders and voices of the black community. Mr. Jackson, when running for President of the U.S., refused to shake my hand (I am white) when I was in a line of black leaders from Milwaukee. He is a racist beyond compare and has no right to condemn the actions of others until he comes to terms with his own racism.

Dawn (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:39 AM)

Why is this so much worse than other things said by radio personalities? Who chose this line?

Joe Shmoe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:39 AM)

Give Imus a break.

Barney Fife, Mayberry, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:39 AM)

Where is the outrage at the scores of other entertainers who use similar, and worse, language repeatedly as part of their 'acts'. What about black rappers who make millions off denigrating women and minorities. When there is an equal outrage and backlash against them, I will support the outrage over Don Imus's stupid and hateful remarks.

Pam E Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:39 AM)

It was clear Al was not himself during the broadcast this mornging...now I know why. While I do not support what Imus said, I wish there was some discussion among the panel (Sharpton, et al.) as to why African-Americans can apparently use such language in their music, movies, and "contexts of comedy", but for Don Imus it is wrong. Either demand the removal of all such comments/speakers from the media, or simply leave it to the audience and sponsors to decide what is right. Of course there is always satellite radio...

Sam Ruby Ashland, MA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:40 AM)

Al, I agree with all of your points (Imus should be fired), however Mr. Sharpton, for his part, has made several anti-semetic remarks. He is still on the air and should be removed immediately also.

Don Lichterman, Clearwater, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:40 AM)

Al, should Rev. Sharpton resign from public life due to some of his past statements? When you say 'yes' to him I'll take notice of your comments regarding Imus. thank you.

doug anderson (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:40 AM)

Aren't Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson REVERANDS. Don't they understand FORGIVENESS. Don't we live in a country where we have FREE SPEECH. It was wrong but get with it. How many times does someone have to say they are sorry?

Carrie David, Pineville, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:42 AM)

Thank you Al for your thoughts. Even though I never heard his radio show, I am not impressed with that kind of "humor". Its cruel and just plain destructive. No one, no matter their skin color, ethnic background, religious affiliation, should ever be demoralized such as he did. We are all children in God's eyes. I don't understand why the shock jocks survive, there must be enough dumb people who listen to them to keep the ratings going. Other shock jocks are as disgusting if not more so and they also should be removed from the air waves.

Marie Woodrum (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:42 AM)

I cannot tell you how many times I have turned off Imus, mostly for comments made by his producer, Bernard, that were so unbelievably mean, and that Imus either kept going with or did nothing to stop. I did like watching the commentators and news spots. However, I totally agree with you. Enough is enough.

Lucinda Collin, Manlius, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:43 AM)

Personally, I don't think it was a racial comment. I am a Caucasion female and feel very offended by Don Imus' comments because they were sexist!! I don't think it is right to call any female a "hoe," whether she be black or white. He should be apologizing to the entire female race, not just the black race. The fact that no one is recognizing this fact is just as offensive. Would Imus' comments be getting this much attention had it been an all white female basketball team??

Amy Land, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:43 AM)

I agree completely with Al Roker's comments. If Don Imus is a good person he should resign. When you start calling children whores (the Rutgers team is over 18, but they are still kids).....there is no going back.

Lynne, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:43 AM)

The comment was inexcusable that is true, but if Don Imus is fired I hope no one will ever attend a Chris Rock show or a Dave Chapelle show. They both denegrate "white folks" regularly in their acts. Racism swings both ways. I do believe that Imus should be punished, but it's as though all the sins of all the racists in the past are now being hung on this man. It's an interesting witch hunt feeding a hungrey pack.

Therese Dawe (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:43 AM)

I, for one do not think that firing Don Imus is the right thing to do. Others have said derogatory things about whites and jews and are still out there doing their thing. Mr. Imus does go over the top many times, about blacks, whites, and obese people. I think you and a lot of other people need to look at the whole picture and not just one mistake.... I listen to him about every day for a few minutes and think about how he gets away with some of the things he says, but it is obvious to me that it is all for show...

Barbara Bell, Colulmbus. GA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

With all due respect, I disagree. While Imus's comment cannot be excused a proportional response is is the best response. A two-week suspension is not nothing. On the other hand, as Imus reworks his show after the suspension, part of that new show ought to include a couple of new backup players. Particularly, Bernard McGurk consistently offers racist takes on various situations that provide safe haven for listeners who may well harbor unsavory attitudes. In addition, the show is better with Sid Rosenberg off the show. I find no coincidence that Sid was on the phone when the event occurred. Serve the suspension, keep Chuck, fire Bernie, ban Rosenberg - forever this time, and add more black voices. Then, time will tell. But the show should not change what it tries to do. Imus should continue to holler tripe wherever tripe is served.

Richard Day (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

so others can hide under a crutch of rehab for their statements and are given a pass but Imus cannot get an apology accepted by Mr Roker? Could it be that Imus has ridiculed Big Al a few times and Big Al has an agenda towards Imus? Suspension, yes. Firing no.

Eric Winkler, Merrimack, NH (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

Al, Sorry the crime doesn't fit the punishment you are asking for. Imus was wrong, he knows he was wrong, he has apologized and been humiliated. What is important it to see if he can keep his word and change his ways as he has promised. MSNBC and CBS are obligated to see that he does. That way this turns into a win situation. We all continue to benefit from all the good he has done (raising money for wonderful causes, making people aware of autism, the danger from toxic chemicals,holding our politicians accountable,etc.) and we get a radio show that is more informative than cruel.

Anne, Alexandria, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

Hey Al...If you don't like Imus, then watch/listen to something else...Who appointed you, and the likes of Rev Al and Jesse Jackson as the "deciders" of what is racist. You, and those who think like you, allow a double standard( one for whites and the other for blcks) of racial remarks all the time...and that's what I find disgusting..why not work towards solving that problem....

cindy feldman (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

Al, I am sad to have to read your comments. While Imus was wrong in what he said, that is his job to speak his opinion. This is America. If the people of America don't want to listen then THEY can choose not to. You, Al Sharpton, NAACP, or anyone else should not be somehow be better than the rest of America

Justin, Rockville, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

I don't understand what everybody's problem is. Racism is all over television! If we are going to say that anyone is to be fired for saying what thy mean, then what type of society would we live in? What's the point of having free speech if we can't even use it? First off, being a minority myself, if I were to get up and protest everytime someone made a comment about me, I would never get anything done! I would never sleep, eat, work again because it is just something I have to live with. People are going to say their peace and they have the right to do that and you have the right to repsond whether or not you like it. But dont tell me that they need to be fired, because that is rediculous. There are much better things to worry about in life than what some old white guy said over the air. We have a lot more important and pressing issues that deserve our attention like the fact that we have over 3,000 Americans dead from the war in Iraq. Did everyone forget about that? Or that we have over 400,000 people in the United States who have Multiple Sclerosis, a severly disabling disease that affects the brain and spinal chord. So lets just move on with our lives and spend our time and energy on something that actually matters, like saving American lifes.

Joey, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:48 AM)

Don Imus should not be excused for what he said and neither should anyone else regardless of race, color or gender. Every person who has ever use such racial language made a conscious decision to do so. This type of behavior is unacceptable for our children but acceptable for adults. What a contradictory world we live in.

Hope Dupree, Rochester, New York (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

I am appalled at the reaction of some people and I totally agree with Rev. Al Sharpton in that Imus should be fired. What he said was mean-spirited, hateful, and blatantly racist. While I do no condone racism by/from any race of people, we should not skirt the issue at hand. We are dealing with Mr. Imus and his comments, which were uncalled for and again racist. I hope that those who are trying to turn this back on Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton remember that.

Laini K. Marshall, Richmond, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

I am offended by Imus's comments. I live in Matawan NJ where this team has become a group of local heroes. I am upset that someone from the media once again is trying to diminish a great accomplishment. That being said, who picks up the slack if Imus's charitable pursuits if he is fired?

John (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

I am a fan of neither Imus or Sharpton. However, why attack Imus unless you're also going to attack the originators of the phrase? Why are rappers making millions saying far worse things? Why aren't Sharpton, Jackson, and numerous others who are mortified by his comment not crusading against rap "music"? The music that coined the phrase is degrading our whole society, starting with kids. Yet, no one wants to "censor" the ones who really need it. Yes, he degraded women in general and black women in particular, but that is done freely on our airwaves every day by the same race that's up in arms over Imus. Does this make sense? Having said that, I need to say that I don't care for Imus or his show. I've never been able to stand even a few minutes of it. It should be taken off the air. Sharpton,Jackson and protestors should take a good long look at their hypocrisy and now go after the real offenders. Clean up the airwaves across the board.

Elizabeth Salim, Richmond, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

So I guess we have given up on giving chances in America. Take Imus and turn him around and you have an example of how people can change. Fire him and he is gone - and to what end? Isn't the ability to make changes in one's own life and to help others change more beneficial in the long run? Firing Imus wastes an opportunity for Sharpton to "rehabilitate" Imus. Of course, that is harder to do, it is easy to fire someone and move on, real race relations take work.

G.W., San Francisco, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

Thank Al Roker for your comments - I totally agree Imus must go! Last week I was so proud of the Rutgers team - I followed them through the entire season and to see their accomplishment of reaching the finals of the NCAA be turned in to this circus is sad. Not only is the Rutgers team losing in this name calling - who remembers who won the finals?

Thea, Delaware (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:59 AM)

You're just as big a hypocrite as Ron Allen. Both of you have profited from Imus, one way or another. When did you exactly sign your conscience over to Sharpton, by the way? Talk about strange bedfellows.

Pepper's Dad (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

NCAA should withhold college basketball games from CBS if Imus is not fired by CBS Radio.

SP, Princeton, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

Mr Roker, I have heard so many worse statements than what was said by the idiotic Don Imus. Mr's Farrakan, Jackson, Sharpton et al have made many racist remarks without being called to task. Until you can assure me that the ultra offensive N word and multiple demeaning references to Ho's and the like are eliminated from the airwaves, rappers and gang bangers, I suggest you stop passing selective judgement on Don Imus.

V.Oliva (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

Hey whats happened Al. You admit to listening to him in the late 60's and early 70's. Was he any less offensive then?? I don't think so, it is just more politically correct to stand up against such talk. I do not agree with his diatribes but PLEASE if I demanded an apology and asked for people to be fired every time an african american "leader" said something that offended me, we would exand the unemployment lines greatly. It is either wrong for everyone or everyone has free speech. You can't cut it any other way.

Dennis, Manchester, NH (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

Imus made a mistake and needs to be punished, not executed. The "Reverends" need to be as compassionate with him as they want him to be. Again, this is a case of it's ok for the black folks to disprespect black folks but it's not ok for the white guy to do it. Be consistent. If it's bad for him it's bad for all of the other comedians an the rappers and hip hop gangstas. One guy as an example is not enough. I am really tired of all of this politically correctness. If these kids continue to hold up Dennis Rodman as a role model, what do you expect people to think? Bill Cosby has it right, you must respect yourself first.

Joe, Rhode Island (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

Hopefully good will come from all this, that is the end of the media based double standard allowing the black community to demean themselves and any one else but god forbid a non-black making any such statement.

Steven Polesovsky Nyack, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

Look I don't mind Imus calling attention to how rough they look and to be honest they did look very rough!! All he had to say was wow those chics from the Rutgers basketball team looked rough last night!!! Then that would've been cool!!! Once he said the words Nappy-headed hoes (which as an african American male knows is disrespectful to say to or about black females) he stepped over the line! Now should he be fired no all can be forgiven in due time but a two suspension will at least give him some time for him to say hey you speaking to millions and millions of viewers everyday make sure you be careful with your language!!!

Jeff G (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

I agree with you Al. I think it is high time that radio personalities take responsibility for their actions regardless of what their skin color is. Imus slammed a group of young women who excelled in their sport and who should have only enjoyed praise, not insults from someone like Imus. Unfortunately, you are right. Imus will get rehired and we will go on as if nothing happened but at least there are some who took the time to speak out against such vile comments. Furthermore, I do not think you can compare these comments with rap music. While I don't favor rap music and its use of language and violence, I don't think it is on the same level as the insults that Imus tossed out and then stoically said he would take his two week suspension with dignity. He should have thought about using some form of dignity before he opened his mouth and uttered such trash. Thanks Al.

cathy husni, Lebanon (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

To Pam in Washington, in reply to your comment, yes it is despicable what rappers and other entertainers do. However the women doing those things a degrading themselves. If women would not accept that treatment then it would not happen. However the issue with Imus is that he attacked black women that have not done anything to place themselves in a degrading position. These women actually reached an achievement rarely seen by any collegiate team. Then to call this comedy? That is not comedy, who's laughing. If you are then you are just as bad as any racist.

Marie, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:02 AM)

It's really too bad that those who do not know Don Imus and his drypan delivery of straight-forward commentary take his remarks so personal. Imus is an equal opportunity offender (in fun) of all races and ethnic backgrounds and never misses a good humor chance to poke fun. Leave it to a racial zealot, Al Sharpton and the like, to use Imus' now unfortunate remarks to characterize all that's wrong with the poor, self-pitying, and perpetually downtrodden people that follow him. Don Imus and his personal generosity have done more to help many truly unfortunate people in our country than Al Sharpton's rhetoric ever will. I can appreciate the political position MSNBC is in but, I'll remain a fan and hope that the network can Cowboy Up one for Don and his team.

Dan, Oak Ridge, TN (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Baloney! Every TV has a channel selector. If you don't like it, turn it off! When people ban rap music and some of the other daily racist black comedy, it will make more sense. It's all right to lampoon the whites but God help you if Al Sharpen finds you offensive. I'm truly sorry for the young girls on the Rutgers team - and I don't think they should have been treated like that - but an apology has been repeatedly given and should be accepted. Let's learn from it and move on!!

Jane D. (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Al, Would it not be better to see if Don Imus can change? Would that not do more to heal than for him to be fired and run off to another network? We must all work together. So much has changed in my long life time. And most is good. Lets hope, good comes of this.

Bland, St. Petersburg, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

I agree that Imus' remarks were uncalled for, but leaving Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to speak for the black community is outrageous. They continue to fuel the racism issue. The black community can degrade the white race with name calling and you don't hear the outrage on public radio or TV. The blacks, themselves, use the "N" word describing others in their race...where is the outrage there? Seems like double standards!!!

Jo Mandl, Stanton, Nebraska (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Give me a break Al. Lets get anyone who has ever uttered a racist comment (no excuse for any racist comment from anyone) off the air and out of office. We would have enough programming for one maybe two networks and the halls of our legislatures would be almost empty. At least we'll be rid of the Pat Robertson's and Al Sharpton's of the world. I'm sticking with Imus and believe he is genuinely sorry for his idiotic comments. I'm glad I listened to Imus's show as well as his appearance on Sharpton. Otherwise I would have no idea that most of the news media accounts were inaccurate with the context of some of the comments they quoted.

Tom Wright (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Wow. The comments here are surprising. I find it hard to believe that so many commenters are okay with what he said, and think that it is acceptable to talk this way on the airwaves. Then, to do his "apology" while blaming rap music, etc. for creating the terms he used! His "I didn't create the words" argument doesn't fly. Let alone his "I don't feel nearly as bad as those Rutgers girls" quote. Ridiculous. Those women have nothing to feel bad about! Imus is hardly relevant to anyone under 50-- the students at Rutgers (my alma mater) have most likely never even heard of him. I do think he needs to be fired and I think to more we let these kinds of racist remarks go on the air with no repurcussions, the worse we make the climate of tolerance in America.

Lisa, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

While most agree the comment by Don Imus was insensative and certainly "out of line", I have heard no mention of the "what ifs".....What if this had been said by Eddie Murphy or Chris Rock in an episode of Saturday Night live? What if this had been said by one of the Black/African American/Negro (I am constantly unsure of which is appropriate and timely) players on the men's Rutgers team? Because I participate in a sport/hobby that has it's fair share of blacks and have many friends in that sport, I have heard them call each other names that would have really far reaching consequenses had they been said by a white/caucasian/honky. Not approprate, yes, worth all this????? Certainly NOT!!!

Kate Rivers (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Al you're kidding right? As a woman, I have to put up with all kinds of sexist remarks. I'm certain that you have not made any of these remarks yourself, right Al? Why does sexism and racism only go one way? Imus did make a very stupid remark and he should be suspended. He should do the time reflecting and I think he will, but firing him is not called for.

Beth, Dover, NJ (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

Racism is the social subjigation of all non-whites in every area of human relation, race,war,sex,politics etc.. No black person can ever be considerred a racist. We react out of what has been done to our race for over 400 years. If white people were treated as blacks are and were would you call yourself a racist if you didnt like someone who has continuesly killed, rapped, lynched, sold, exploited your people..huh,huh.. Stop with all this reverse racism crap, and step in the shoes of a Black man for a year,a day even an hour and see how it feels in this country whiteman...

Heated, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:06 AM)

I do not understand why it is okay for blacks to make racial comments, but for whites it is wrong? I am not saying it is okay for anyone to make racial comments, but I believe that "everyone" regardless of race should be held accountable. Maybe whites should start taking a stand against the racist comments and attitudes against us!!

Dana, Placerville, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:07 AM)

Al I agree. Imus Must Go. Plain and simple. There is no excuse. He interviews Congressmen/ women; His status is above a "SHOCK JOCK". When will America Get beyond BIGGATRY.

SFC(ret) U.S.ARMY Oscar L. King, SR Macon, GA 31210 (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:07 AM)

I think you can drop the "Otherwise ,it just looks like " from you last sentence Al. Profits and ratings rule over decency and justice, period. TV and Radio is loaded with insults,profanity and other verbal assaults passed off as commentary and humor.You want to make am example of Imus, fine.Just take a look at the rest of the house while your at it.

Ted Bach (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

I believe that Mr Imus needs to go, if this would have happend at any work place in the USA he would have been fired. I also think that it is time for the black comunity to look at themselves and consider what they are doing through their music and movies and also how they treat their women.

MJ (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

America needs to wake up, this political correctness and selective astonishment needs to go. I'm sorry but white people every where say what imus said, black people everywhere say it too. just because the guy isn't in his teens or twenties dosen't make it wrong that he said it. Shock jock? what's so shocking about what he said is that he knows a phrase popular with the youth of today. Dosen't howard stern say much worse about african americans? And as far as Al sharpton and jesse jackson, they are throw backs to time when america was in a much worse state then it's in now as far as racisim and why anyone thinks the two of them are still relivent is beyond me.

joe, mesa, az (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

It is time for Don Imus to leave broadcasting. How would you feel if he had said those things about your daughter, sister, niece or friend? The time for apologies and excuses is past. JC

JC, Cheshire, CT (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)



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