CBS radio had recently signed him to a 5 year contract, he was good enough then. Unfortunately the cooler heads didn't prevail, he should have been taken off the air immediately, put on suspension and meet with the team. At the end of the several weeks, a decision could have been made, whether it was bringing him back, changing his supporting cast, etc. Instead he gets dropped, and 10 days later, we have a far more tragic event occur, and hopefully put our focus on correcting those issues.

AL SHARPTON, JESSE JACKSON,LOUIS FARAKHAN. 3 BLADDERS FULL OF HOT STALE AIR. YOU WALK DOWN ANY STREET IN AMERICA AND IF 2 OR MORE BLACK PEOPLE ARE TALKING ALL YOU HEAR IS "N" THIS AND "N" THAT. SO THE BLACK POPULATION IS UP IN ARMS. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? HOW COME THE WHITE PEOPLE DONT HAVE A W.E.T. TELEVISION CHANNEL OR A MISS WHITE AMERICA PAGEANT? I GUESS THAT WOULD BE PREDJUDICED HUH?. HEY BLACK PEOPLE OF AMERICA !!!NEWS FLASH.. YOU"RE BLACK. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? AN APOLOGY. I"M WHITE. MAYBE YOU SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO ME. I DONT CARE IF YOU ARE BLACK-WHITE-YELLOW-GREEN OR ORANGE. IDIOTS AND BLOW-HARDS COME IN ALL SIZES AND SHAPES. AND AS FAR AS DON IMUS GOES, HE"S JST ANOTHER IDIOT WHO SAID A STUPID THING.THATS ALL IT IS. GET OVER IT.THE WORLD IS FULL OF IDIOTS.NOTE--SEE THE WHITE HOUSE-. I REST MY CASE

This whole thing is VERY rediculous. I cant beleive that the "black man" that said they were "hoes" never got in trouble. But Imus did?? Why? If you listen to what Imus said again, you can hear that the other man on the other line speaking to Imus says before Imus said anything...he clearly says that they are "hardcore Hoes"...then Imus follows with a laugh and says "some nappy headed hoes." So now what? Shouldnt that (african american man) man be in trouble? I never heard anything about him...but EVERYONE knows he said it....This is rediculous. Whats wrong for one man is wrong for another.

Imus was out of line! Finally the people are showing they are tired of this "shock jock" act. The filth and abuse these clowns are putting out has a demeaning content! It is time to look at what these clowns have done to our moral being! The more filthy and abusive , the more we glorify their existence. It does not leave Washington out of the picture. The pot clalling the frying pan black, Sharpeton has plenty of trash pack away in his closet along with J.Jackson.

Its time to pull the plug on filth! And the best place to start is the radio stations. We need to show the children of today morals which build honor and respect!

Don't stop with Imus! Clean house while this is put in the closet.

This whole thing is VERY rediculous. I cant beleive that the "black man" that said they were "hoes" never got in trouble. But Imus did?? Why? If you listen to what Imus said again, you can hear that the other man on the other line speaking to Imus says before Imus said anything...he clearly says that they are "hardcore Hoes"...then Imus follows with a laugh and says "some nappy headed hoes." So now what? Shouldnt that (african american man) man be in trouble? I never heard anything about him...but EVERYONE knows he said it....This is rediculous. Whats wrong for one man is wrong for another.

I remember times when Red Foxx, Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, and Cris Rock offended me in their comedy routines, but i just laughed it off with the rest, so what is the problem....

The problem is that Mr. Imas attacked children. And just as we would not allow anyone to attack a child physically, we cannot as parents and citizens allow anyone to attack them verbally. A grown person can take care of themself. Additionally, this has nothing to do with rap music because rap music or rap artists did not call these girls "ho". Mr. Imas did. He needs to take lumps like a man. I do however, feel bad because CBS flip-flopped on the issue of suspending him, then firing him.

Regular and loyal listeners know Imus is not a racist.

He has changed in the past for the better, and will this time as well. Imus would have been the most significant active change agent for this issue had he been allowed to continue his show.

Imus is much more 'fair-and-balanced' than most media who make the claim, as regular listeners like myself understand.

With all the unfair and unbalanced news and opinion spewing from other networks, I always thought MSNBC took the high road with shows like Olberman, Matthews, and Imus.

I wonder what the next comment will be from someone like Matthews or Olberman that someone will find to be offensive that will cause their show to be cancelled as well?

I feel CBS and MSNBC wimped out, did not take the high road, and did not stand tall in the battle for reasonableness and fairness.

I hope my comments make it on this blog because I have spent the last two days watching MSNBC's coverage. The coverage has been very thorough and quite interesting. I think MSNBC has found a superstar in David Gregory for Don Imus's time slot. I have had disrespect for Mr. Gregory in the past because of his confrontational behavior during White House Press Conferences. If anything this week proved it is that when people shout at each other then the person shouting is not heard. Mr. Gregory was just the opposite these last two mornings. He was very professional and delivered an excellent balance to this major event. At times I think Mr. Gregory felt conflicted because he appeared to have respect for Mr. Imus. This morning Mr. Tom Oliphant was on the show that Mr. Gregory was hosting. Mr. Oliphant made a eloquent point in regard to how he felt there was a rush to judgement. Not that Mr. Imus didn't deserve his fate but he wondered out loud if an opportunity was missed. Mr. Oliphant had pointed out that Mr. Imus had made a guarantee that from this point on he was going to change the format of his program. Mr. Imus said he was going to start including minorities on his program with their point of views. Mr. Oliphant thought at least everyone involved should of shown more patience. He felt that a more educated decision could of been made after Mr. Imus met and apologized to the Rutger's Woman Basketball Team. If the team was willing to accept Mr. Imus's apology then maybe the rest of us would have too. Mr. Oliphant's point from this was that Mr. Imus would be the best person available to keep this debate constructive and ongoing. One thing from my own personal experience from watching Mr. Imus is that when he decides to do something he focuses on it like a laser beam let's not forget Whittaker Chambers. My fear now is we will lose what progress has been made because of the hasty decisions and all of this will be yesterday's news come Monday morning. MSNBC will need to take a hard look at their programming and use this opportunity to include minorities from all stripes to fill some of the 3 hour void in programming available. I would also issue a word of caution to MSNBC that this may not be the last host they lose. Mr. Keith Olbermann's daily hate filled diatribe is not acceptable to me and I am sure that I am not alone in this feeling. I appreciate whoever takes the time to read my comments and again hope they will make it on your blog.

The true victim of racism in the entire Don Imus controversy is Don Imus himself. The true racists are those who created a “public outcry” regarding his comments and those executives at NBC and CBS who have pulled the plug on Imus as a knee jerk reaction. The only reason Imus has come under heat is that he is white. There is a serious double standard in our society today. Countless rap and hip hop artists use the word “hos”. If Imus had been interviewing a rap or hip hop personality and that person made the same statement, there would be no public outcry. If you interpreted his comment as a specific derogatory statement against African Americans then ask yourself this; Why? If the same words came out of 50 Cents’ mouth, would you feel the same way? I think everyone needs to look themselves in the mirror and answer these questions. You may not like the answers and you may discover that you are the true racist.

I think a suspention and a fine that would be given to the approperate agency would of been enough. Mr. Imus appologized both on TV and to the girls, which they excepted, that should of been enough. I think he could do more to help this problem with his show than shut him down. He has done a lot of good for a lot of people during his years on your network and this is the thanks you give him.Why are you letting a few loud mouths influence you so much.Don't you think that if you and a few others stood behind him the advertisers would of had to change there minds. Imus can do a lot more good getting the word out for change.I canceled my new Ford truck and will get a Toyta.I also will not buy from any of the other sponsors or watch or listen to your stations any more. His show had a good variety of people and info. that you can't get from the other stations,and people could speak there minds on a lot of topics that were not bias.You have made a very poor decision.Maybe it is not to late to correct it, and help make the world a better place not one that people are afraid to speak there minds for the betterment of the country and the world.It is never too late to open the door to help instead of hurt.

Brian: I first listened to you on the Imus show, so I respect your comments. As much as I enjoyed the I-man's insightful interviews with the powerful and "beltway crowd," the comments from him and McGuirk were just too brutal, I couldn't condone listening anymore. So I returned to NPR. Which is the right decision -- to change the channel if you don't like what you're hearing. Last I heard, there's still a First Amendment, unless you work for Corporate Amerika. Be careful what you say, my friend.

Halle Berry will star in a movie that is slated to be released in 2008 called "Nappily Ever After". It is a movie about a woman (Ms. Berry) whose hair is starting to fall out, so she decides to shave it all off. One has to ask why is it acceptable for Universal Studio to release a movie that contains the word "Nappily" in its title? Is this not racist? Shouldn't someone pay the price and loose their job for this poor decision?

I was watching Don Imus when he made that disparaging remark about the Rutgers womens basketball team. So bring in the dog and pony act of Sharpton and Jackson, who have their own history of racial mis-speaking but still consider themselves America's moral compass. And when will they apologize to the Duke lacrosse players they wrongly accused. Ain't gonna happen. People should know that Don Imus is only a pawn in a much bigger game. He apologized and went the extra mile and the dog and pony act only made a martyr out of him. He'll soon be making millions on satellite radio, speaking his mind totally unobstructed.

Like many others commenting, I have never felt moved to join the on-line chatter. However, Don Imus' firing made me just angry enought to do this. My whole morning routine is out of sorts. What Don Imus said was horrible. The things Bernie says are sometimes horrible. As a Catholic, I cringed a bit at the Cardinal Egan sketch. However, I tolerated those moments for the 99.9% of the show that was funny and informative. Mr. Imus told it as he saw it. If someone that I didn't know, had never met, nor would ever meet in the future called me a nappy headed ho, it would be like "who cares" what he says. Those basketball players had probably never even heard of Don Imus. By taking away Don's voice, CBS and MSNBC may silence his edgy comments, but it will also do serious damage to many charities and society as a whole. Look at the death benefit for our soldiers. It was $12,000.00 until Imus pushed the issue on his program. I, too, was a faithful watcher of Keith, Tucker, Chris and Joe. I would rather stay ignorant than watch Fox news, so I guess it's "Here I come CNN"!

I am a 71 year old grandmother and my husband and I have listened to Imus for a number of years. We enjoy his program and it is sad that he has been fired. Yes, what he said was wrong, but I think that NBC/CBS/MSNBC have totally over-reacted. Mr. Imus apologized and met with the basketball team and they forgave him. What is very disturbing is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton leading the rhetoric and fanning the racist flames. They are both guilty of far more dispicable things than Mr. Imus' remark. I don't hear much from the media about their actions. I don't believe they are truly interested in helping the black community...only what they can gain for themselves personally. They are dividing the community instead of nuturing people to come together and make a difference in our world. Our culture is in dire need to put forth honest and outstanding leaders, teachers and politicians. I think the coach of the Rutgers Basketball Team is a classy and outstanding lady. It is too bad that the media didn't bring to our attention the accomplishments and story of this team prior to an improper remark by the "I-man."

America is in a steep decline. Maybe, just maybe Imus, through his remark, has planted a seed in our thinking by accident, that we should raise the standards and to join together and make America a great nation once again.

Mr. Imus and his wife have done so many good things to help sick children and our soldiers. I only hope that his health will let him continue his work in helping others. We haven't seen the last of the "I-man."

If the ladies of Rutgers can find it in their hearts to forgive Dom Imus why can't Corporate America as our social and political leaders. They never asked for Mr.Imus' job. Why because they are pure of heart and not politically or ecomonically motivated. What a terrible outrage that this was spun so out of control. Yes, a price should be paid for these hurtful comments. What a shame that we allow so few people to control the minds and media of so many. Bring Don Imus back.

It is time to bring civility back in all shapes and forms, whether on the radio, in music, in church, on television or in print. Our society has become far too intolerant, and hateful language has been allowed to sprout unchecked throughout a country whose very foundation is based on tolerance. Perhaps Mr. Imus' firing -- and his apology -- can be the first step. I hope Mr. Imus will get a job on satellite radio, where people who want to listen to him can pay for the opportunity, just as they do with Howard Stern. Likewise, I hope CBS and MSNBC will think twice in the future about the nature of their programming. Broadcast and cable networks can lead by demanding civil, even spirited exchanges, but by avoiding personal attacks. Look at NPR: it manages to do across its programs every day. There is still a chance to bring down tempers in our country and lead us back to the standard we once set for the rest of the world.

I would just like to comment on this whole IMUS situation. First of all let me clearly and emphatically say that I would never make excuses for Mr. IMUS and what he said. It was wrong,wrong,wrong. However that having been said. I do believe we all should have the opportunity to play on the same level playing field. Should DON IMUS have been fired sure but not because of money(sponsers,etc.)but because what he did was wrong.I cantake his fireing if the same treatment were doled out to others who commit similar acts of wrong doing. For starters lets get companies like ARISTA,SONY,MCI to stop producing and selling any recording artist (HIP HOP or otherwise). Or stations like HOT 97 or MTV,VH1 from showing them(yeah right). I remember a time when the rolling stones had to change the words of one of their songs or they wouldn't be allowed to play it on T.V. And you know why they won't because here here money has the opposite effect.The companies and their execs would lose to much. So you see it's not about right or wrong its all about money(can I say the BLING, is that P.C.)Please I would love to be informed when any of these stars opens up a hospital for sick children of all ages, races and religions-I'll be the first to contribute.Have people become so afraid of P.C. that they are afraid to be fair and do what's right.How come there was no punishment meted out to the right Rev. Al, Tawana Brawley, who ruined a man's life and career. Or the alleged Duke rape victim,andD.A.Mike Nifong(who I remind you is white)Imean they only destroyed 3young men's lives and financiallydestroyed 3 families(no big thing,RIGHT,especially if it wasn'tyour family).God forbid we should give jail time to LiL KIM,R.Kelly(remember that video) or uber model Naomi Cambell who make a mockery of our legal system.It seems to me that(and again I reiterate that what they said was wrong)the only people I've heard apologize were people like IMUS,MEL GIBSON etc.I think what we have here(besides a failure to communicate) is reverse discrimination.So if you really want to make some headway into eliminating situations such as these,be fair,let all be under the same set of guidelines and rules and not make it about money ,fame, social status,race,religion etc. Use your common sense or you may create a monster that just might come back to bite you and really make a bad situation even worse.Hey but what do I know?

It seems to me the ones who have handled this issue with the most dignity are the Rutgers women's team and Don Imus. The women's team did not demand the firing of Imus, but they did want to talk with him face to face. And Don who admitted to his stupidity, apologized profusely, did NOT bring his guilty co-hort into it and begged to speak to the offended women and their partents face to face.
If only that could have happen before such drastic decisions were made.
Shame on all the rest of us, especially NBC news whose coverage went on ad nauseum. There are two sides to this story but has the "airways" coverage been even - handed? By the way, Brian, we get it. You only talked to Imus a few times and he wasn't always nice to you. He got FIRED - do you really think we care whether you were good buds or how many times you spoke with him? You are excused from not defending him - you barely knew him.
Along with many others who have vented before me, I will not be watching news on MSNBC, NBC or CBS. I think I'll miss Imus in the Morning the most.

Morning TV will not be the same for me because I looked to Imus not for the inappropriate humor which I chose to ignore, but for the intellectual stimulation provided by his guests. There has been no other program in the mornings similar to it with the length and breadth of the interviews he conducted with an incredible diversity of political viewpoints.

Yes, what he said re: the Rutgers basketball team was horrible, as have been the comments he made about his sportscaster cruel and inappropriate, his disparaging remarks about gays and lesbians, but, it seems to me that firing him was like throwing the baby out with the bath water.

The disbelief I feel many in the country are expressing sadly seems reminiscent of the divide the country experienced after the OJ verdict. Regardless, I for one, feel sad for Imus since, as a longtime listener, know those hurtful comments were not reflective of the many positions he took supporting the African-American community. H

Hopefully MSNBC will create a program (David Gregory) which combines a little humor (he is hysterical), news, and will continue with the intellectually stimulating interviews with authors, politicians, commentators, etc. Or maybe since CBS ratings are so low, they will totally revamp their morning program in order to fill this void. Years ago, Dianne Sawyer and Bill Curtis provided this type of thoughtful program. May not be a big money maker, but I hope someone takes the risk.

I am a 56 year old white female who has listened to Don Imus for several years. I loved the polictical discussions, his guests, and the well conducted indepth interviews with media figures and politicians. For the most part, I didn't care for Don trying to be cool by using the latest slang or trying to be hip. Everytime he used the word "HO" I would wince. I wondered why his wife would put up with being called a "green HO" for her environmental work. I have been uncomfortable with Bernard for quite a while, particularly his Ray Nagin imitations. Sometimes, I'd just turn the sound down until it was over. Having said that, I think Don did much more good than evil, on balance, and a reformed Imus could have done a lot to raise the level of discourse on the subject of race, including insults and slang. I have a sneaking suspicion that those who were the most vocal in calling for his firing aren't necessarily interested in raising the level of discourse. One reason I liked Imus's show was that he would frequently examine all sides of an issue in a fair and unbiased way. He was also pretty good at spotting phonies. And, as contradictory as this may sound, I think Don had gotten more liberal over the years. (Maybe that contributed to his downfall as well.) In any event, I am going to miss Imus in the Morning.

Below is a quote from a 2005 story about degrading of black women in hip hop music etc such as is commonly heard and seen on BET. Let's talk about the "BIG" story of black men degrading black women all over the airwaves every day and not one little hick cowboy named Don Imus.

"It was around the same time as Snoop's declaration that some Spelman College women had obviously had enough. When rap artist Nelly was planning a campus visit to promote his bone marrow education program, some students decided it would also be an opportune time to have a word with Nelly about the female imagery in his music videos. He respectfully declined.

The countless negative portrayals of Black women in hip-hop videos and song lyrics could be compiled on a very long list. And yet to some, it's taken a long time to engage the Black community in a serious discourse about the more divisive, derisive aspects of hip-hop music and culture."

David Clifford
Provo Utah

Don, I will miss you. I will miss the music and I will miss the conversation. Those of us who "get you" know that your heart is good. The faster than light downfall had my head spinning. Now we are left with a huge gap in our daily schedule. Where will we find you? a website perhaps?

I Agree that what Imus said was wrong.However,I don't think he deserved to lose his job.I believe he is a good and decent man that honestly regrets what was said.
It is hurl-worthy to see his friends turn on him on air like rats scurrying from a sinking ship.Our family supports the Imus family.