USA - NCAA, Rutgers call Imus comments "unconscionable"

NEW YORK (NCAA) - The NCAA condemned as "unconscionable" racially insensitive comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team made on Don Imus' nationally syndicated radio program.

In a statement released jointly Sunday by NCAA president Myles Brand and Rutgers University president Richard L McCormick, the comments made by Imus and his on-air cohorts about the team were categorized as "insults."

On his nationally syndicated talk radio show Wednesday that also is televised by MSNBC, Imus referred to members of the Rutgers women's team - which advanced to the national championship game - as "nappy-headed hos."

Bernard McGuirk, the show's producer, also referred to members of the team as "some hardcore hos."

"The NCAA and Rutgers University are offended by the insults on MSNBC's Don Imus program toward the 10 young women on the Rutgers basketball team," the statement said.

"It is unconscionable that anyone would use the airways to utter such disregard for the dignity of human beings who have accomplished much and deserve great credit."

The comment also drew uproar and protest from black groups, colleges and the media. Many public figures have called for the firing of the often caustic Imus, who apologized on the air Friday but has not been fired or suspended.

"It is appropriate that Mr Imus and MSNBC have apologized," the statement said.

On Friday, Rutgers women's basketball coach C Vivian Stringer also targeted Imus as insensitive.

"To serve as a joke of Mr Imus in such an insensitive manner creates a wedge and makes light of the efforts of these classy individuals, both as women and as women of color," she said.

"It is unfortunate Mr Imus sought to tarnish Rutgers' spirit and success."

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