Apr 10, 2007 5:22 am US/Eastern
Rutgers Student Body Not Having Imus' Apology
by Christine Sloan
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CBS) ―
Radio host Don Imus and The Rev. Al Sharpton met face-to-face Monday on Sharpton's radio show over controversial remarks Imus made about the Rutgers womens' basketball team.
CBS 2 went to Rutgers on Monday to get reaction from those most affected by Imus' comments -- the students.
Several members of the Rutgers womens team met with the president of their University to talk about the racially charged comments Imus made about them on his radio show.
"Don Imus' comments were despicable and racist," school president Richard McCormick said. "It was so obvious they were hurt by what he had said. They were angry, perplexed."
The players were not commenting Monday but plan on holding a press conference on Tuesday. Imus appeared on Sharpton's nationally syndicated radio show to apologize, and later Monday night was suspended two weeks by employers CBS Radio and MSNBC, effective April 16.
"What I did was repulsive and horrible and you know what's horrible? These women worked so hard to reach the pinnacle and I ruined it," Imus said.
A number of other African-American leaders are asking for Imus' resignation.
On campus, the sentiment seemed to be the same.
"I think it would be appropriate for him to resign considering the nature of his comments," student Christina Nardone said.
Added student Alex Zamalin: "I think it's a really horrible comment to make."
Imus did his best to put a different spin on the controversy.
"What we have is a comedy show," he said. "I'm not a politician. Our agenda is trying to be funny. Sometimes we go far. Sometimes we go way too far."
Sharpton seemed understanding, but not too understanding.
"I don't know. I'm not going to call you a racist or bigot," Sharpton said. "You may be a nice guy, but you should still be fired."
On campus, members of an African-American fraternity tried to cheer up the team and their coach with roses.
"We're going to actually take them to coach (C. Vivian) Stringer because we actually believe she did something, such a big thing for this campus and school this year," student Richard Spellman said.
Members of the team were in and out of the offices at the school's athletic center. Imus said he'd like to meet with the team, their parents and their coach.
Governor Jon Corzine is expected to meet with the Rutgers president Monday evening to discuss Imus' comments. The president has also said he's not opposed to team members sitting down with Imus face-to-face.
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