STATEMENT  ON DON IMUS' REMARKS

by a former WNBA Player

By Dr. Fran Harris

Former WNBA player and author of “Will the Real You Please Stand Up?”

       "IMUS' comments are a disgrace to journalists everywhere. His ignorance reflects the kind of flippant arrogance so pervasive in mainstream media. I wasn't offended as a black woman who happened to also be a former NCAA basketball champion -- I was saddened that another human being could be so blatantly disrespectful of another. I believe Imus’ comments were genuine. He did not have a "slip of the lip." He got comfortable and when someone is comfortable the real person shows up all day, every day.

        His apology was expected and quite frankly, pathetic. Should he be fired?

      Not necessarily. That won't solve this country's racial problems but I do believe a swift and definite response from MSNBC is essential. Imus must feel the impact of his comments where it hurts most people the most -- their pockets. I personally don't need another well-crafted, insincere apology and my sense is that the Rutgers women's basketball team is not waiting on Imus' Hallmark card either. We need to be about the business of healing this country's long-standing racial and gender inequities.  Suspending Imus is a good start."

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          Travelers, read an excerpt of "Will the Real You Please Stand Up?" by  Dr. Fran Harris on the Book Lane on the Black Information Highway and The Mid-South Tribune ONLINE.