Women's Sports Foundation responds to inappropriate comments made by Don Imus regarding the Rutger's women's basketball team
Women's Sports Foundation President Aimee Mullins:"The Women's Sports Foundation congratulates the talented and skilled members of the Rutgers women's basketball team and their achievement at this year's NCAA tournament. We are saddened that there are still those who continue to judge people on appearance rather than talent. Racial and gender bigotry are inexcusable in any circumstance, but when that bigotry has a public broadcast forum and is aimed at student-athletes, it represents the worst kind of abuse of media power. Apologies from Don Imus and others involved, including broadcast partners, is not the simple solution. We can no longer allow a 'mea culpa' to erase inexcusable behavior. We insist that all members of the Don Imus show be educated about the importance of diversity in our society and treating people as equals regardless of race or gender. The Women's Sports Foundation volunteers its leaders and resources, in a public or private forum, to educate Don Imus so that this appalling behavior can serve not only as rehabilitation for the Imus morning show, but as an educational tool for others.“
Women's Sports Foundation CEO Donna Lopiano:"Don Imus has shown a continuous pattern of making racist and sexist statements on his show and then apologizing for them later. Members of the media must be held to high standards of conduct because they have been given the opportunity to influence millions of people with their words. It is time that we as a society insist on the firm application of such standards. The comments of Mr. Imus were intolerable and despicable. He should be removed from the airwaves. Those who feel similarly should join the Women's Sports Foundation in asking that the executives of WFAN, Westwood One and MSNBC do the right thing and drop his program."
For those who feel similarly outraged and want to express their thoughts on his comments, listed below are the contact information for the media outlets involved.
CBS Radio
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
212-846-3939
Dan Abrams, General Manager
MSNBC TV
One MSNBC Plaza
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-583-5000
Chuck Bortnick, VP & GM WFAN-AM
WFAN-AM
Astoria, NY 11106-1214
(718) 707-4000
cbortnick@westwoodone.com
About the Women's Sports FoundationFounded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is a national charitable educational organization seeking to advance the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. The Foundation's Participation, Education, Advocacy, Research and Leadership Programs are made possible by gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. For more information, please call the Foundation at (800) 227-3988. You can also visit our Web site at
www.Women'sSportsFoundation.org
Rachel Gary
(201) 615-9629
RGary@WomensSportsFoundation.org