The husband of country singer Sara Evans is suing one of his wife's divorce attorneys and his firm, alleging the attorney slandered and libeled him with untrue allegations of adultery.
Craig Schelske filed the $20 million lawsuit against Nashville lawyer John Hollins Sr. on Wednesday in Davidson County Circuit Court.
He contends that Hollins made false statements to the media.
"He (Schelske) was quoted in the press as saying he hadn't done anything wrong and he wanted everybody to pray for Sara," the lawsuit says Hollins told People magazine. "Let me tell you what, everything we allege, we've got photographs to back up the allegations of the complaint."
The lawsuit states that Hollins knew the statement was false and "knew that no photographs existed which depicted the plaintiff engaged in any type of illicit or adulterous activity," Schelske said in the court filing.
Schelske is asking that Hollins pay $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages. He also wants the firm of Hollins, Wagster, Yarbrough, Weatherly & Raybin to pay $10 million, as well.
Both Hollins and Schelske's attorney, Brad Lampley, declined comment Thursday, citing a gag order for both parties in the case.
The lawsuit is the latest development in the bitter divorce between Evans and Schelske.
The singer's former nanny, Alison Clinton Lee, filed a $3 million lawsuit on Tuesday against Evans, Hollins, John Hollins Jr. and their law firm claiming she was a victim of "slanderous and libelous" statements in Evans' October 2006 divorce filing.
In the filing, Evans claimed that the nanny had an affair with her husband, which both the nanny and Schelske deny. Schelske later responded that Evans filed for divorce the same day he discovered she was having an extramarital affair.
Schelske, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the U.S. House in Oregon's 5th District in 2002, has denied the allegations.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Mel B. Names Murphy on Birth Certificate
NEW YORK -- Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown has listed Eddie Murphy's name on the birth certificate of her infant daughter, her publicist said Friday.
The 31-year-old Brown, known as Scary Spice when she was in the megahit group of the '90s, gave birth to the child April 3 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Brown's publicist, Nadine Bibi, didn't immediately respond Friday to an e-mail from The Associated Press asking for details.
Arnold Robinson, a spokesman for Murphy, declined comment.
Brown has said ex-boyfriend Murphy is the father. The 46-year-old "Dreamgirls" star has said he isn't sure, while Brown has said there is "absolutely no question that Eddie is the father."
Brown has an 8-year-old daughter, Phoenix Chi, from her marriage to Jimmy Gulzar.
Murphy has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy.
The 31-year-old Brown, known as Scary Spice when she was in the megahit group of the '90s, gave birth to the child April 3 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Brown's publicist, Nadine Bibi, didn't immediately respond Friday to an e-mail from The Associated Press asking for details.
Arnold Robinson, a spokesman for Murphy, declined comment.
Brown has said ex-boyfriend Murphy is the father. The 46-year-old "Dreamgirls" star has said he isn't sure, while Brown has said there is "absolutely no question that Eddie is the father."
Brown has an 8-year-old daughter, Phoenix Chi, from her marriage to Jimmy Gulzar.
Murphy has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
TV Producer Wants Jim Morrison Pardoned
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist is being asked to pardon the late Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, 38 years after he was convicted of exposing himself during a Miami concert.
Dave Diamond, a cable TV producer from Dayton, Ohio, wrote to Crist last month asking for the pardon. Diamond said the goal is to remember the Melbourne, Fla., native as an artist, not a rock 'n' roll bad boy with a rap sheet.
Crist is an alumnus of Florida State, which Morrison had attended.
"Well, given that fact, I'm certainly willing to review it," said Crist.
Morrison was charged days after a concert at Dinner Key Auditorium in Coconut Grove in 1969. He allegedly exposed himself and simulated a sex act, which he denied doing.
He was acquitted on a felony charge for lewd and lascivious behavior, but was convicted of indecent exposure and profanity.
Many feel the Miami arrest put Morrison and the band in a downward spiral, which led to promoters canceling concerts and earned the band a stream of negative publicity.
Diamond and other fans say Morrison wouldn't have been charged if the same situation occurred today.
"We'd just like to see where we get to a point to let Morrison be judged because of the music and poetry and not be judged because of this Miami case," said Diamond.
The hard-living Morrison died of heart failure in a Paris bathtub in 1971, while his case was still on appeal. He was 27.
Morrison's father, retired U.S. Adm. George S. Morrison, 87, who lives in California, said he would support a pardon.
Crist, however, cannot pardon someone by himself. He needs two of the three other members of the Florida Cabinet, which acts as the state clemency board. In addition, there are no procedures for posthumous pardons.
In his letter to Crist, Diamond noted the former New York Gov. George Pataki pardoned the late comedian Lenny Bruce on an obscenity conviction.
"It's not about Jim Morrison's image as the Lizard King or The Doors music. It's about a citizen of Florida who was convicted in a case where the law was not applied," said Diamond, 34.
Dave Diamond, a cable TV producer from Dayton, Ohio, wrote to Crist last month asking for the pardon. Diamond said the goal is to remember the Melbourne, Fla., native as an artist, not a rock 'n' roll bad boy with a rap sheet.
Crist is an alumnus of Florida State, which Morrison had attended.
"Well, given that fact, I'm certainly willing to review it," said Crist.
Morrison was charged days after a concert at Dinner Key Auditorium in Coconut Grove in 1969. He allegedly exposed himself and simulated a sex act, which he denied doing.
He was acquitted on a felony charge for lewd and lascivious behavior, but was convicted of indecent exposure and profanity.
Many feel the Miami arrest put Morrison and the band in a downward spiral, which led to promoters canceling concerts and earned the band a stream of negative publicity.
Diamond and other fans say Morrison wouldn't have been charged if the same situation occurred today.
"We'd just like to see where we get to a point to let Morrison be judged because of the music and poetry and not be judged because of this Miami case," said Diamond.
The hard-living Morrison died of heart failure in a Paris bathtub in 1971, while his case was still on appeal. He was 27.
Morrison's father, retired U.S. Adm. George S. Morrison, 87, who lives in California, said he would support a pardon.
Crist, however, cannot pardon someone by himself. He needs two of the three other members of the Florida Cabinet, which acts as the state clemency board. In addition, there are no procedures for posthumous pardons.
In his letter to Crist, Diamond noted the former New York Gov. George Pataki pardoned the late comedian Lenny Bruce on an obscenity conviction.
"It's not about Jim Morrison's image as the Lizard King or The Doors music. It's about a citizen of Florida who was convicted in a case where the law was not applied," said Diamond, 34.
The Associated Press
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Bench Warrants Issued for Rapper DMX
NEW YORK -- Judges in two cities issued bench warrants Wednesday for the arrest of rapper DMX, who failed to show up in court for either of his pending traffic cases.
"In truth, I do not know where he is," said Murray Richman, lawyer for the 36-year-old rapper (whose real name is Earl Simmons). "Why would he be hiding out from a damn traffic infraction?"
He said the rapper, whose albums include "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," was in Arizona on Tuesday but had promised to appear Wednesday in White Plains and Yonkers, both north of New York City.
"He said he missed a flight," Richman said. "He's always missing flights."
DMX, who has a long record of driving violations, was already a day late for White Plains City Court, but on Tuesday Judge Brian Hansbury had given him until 2 p.m. Wednesday to face charges stemming from a downtown pullover on June 2. Police officers said DMX was speeding, changing lanes dangerously, driving without a seat belt and using a suspended license.
Court Clerk Jennifer Ruggiero said the judge issued the warrant, which means Simmons "can be picked up anytime, and if he's brought here he can be jailed."
Richman said the judge agreed that if Simmons were produced within two weeks, he would "listen to his reasons" before ordering the rapper's $25,000 bond forfeited.
The bond was set when the rapper, who lives in Mount Kisco, missed two earlier court dates and spent a night in jail.
He has declined plea bargain offers from prosecutors.
Simmons was also due in City Court in Yonkers, where he was raised, on a charge of driving last October with a suspended license. Judge Charles Wood issued a bench warrant there.
"In truth, I do not know where he is," said Murray Richman, lawyer for the 36-year-old rapper (whose real name is Earl Simmons). "Why would he be hiding out from a damn traffic infraction?"
He said the rapper, whose albums include "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," was in Arizona on Tuesday but had promised to appear Wednesday in White Plains and Yonkers, both north of New York City.
"He said he missed a flight," Richman said. "He's always missing flights."
DMX, who has a long record of driving violations, was already a day late for White Plains City Court, but on Tuesday Judge Brian Hansbury had given him until 2 p.m. Wednesday to face charges stemming from a downtown pullover on June 2. Police officers said DMX was speeding, changing lanes dangerously, driving without a seat belt and using a suspended license.
Court Clerk Jennifer Ruggiero said the judge issued the warrant, which means Simmons "can be picked up anytime, and if he's brought here he can be jailed."
Richman said the judge agreed that if Simmons were produced within two weeks, he would "listen to his reasons" before ordering the rapper's $25,000 bond forfeited.
The bond was set when the rapper, who lives in Mount Kisco, missed two earlier court dates and spent a night in jail.
He has declined plea bargain offers from prosecutors.
Simmons was also due in City Court in Yonkers, where he was raised, on a charge of driving last October with a suspended license. Judge Charles Wood issued a bench warrant there.
The Associated Press
Snoop Pleads No Contest in Gun, Pot Case
LOS ANGELES -- A stone-faced Snoop Dogg pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges Wednesday and avoided what could have been a year-long prison sentence.
The 35-year-old rapper, born Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., agreed to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service. He faced charges of gun possession by a felon and sale or transportation of marijuana.
He said little other than "no contest" when the charges were read.
Snoop Dogg's recent arrests marked the end of a relatively long trouble-free stretch for the rapper. He has burnished his image in recent years with appearances in mainstream movies and by starting a youth football league.
He was arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank Oct. 26 on suspicion of transporting marijuana. Police later found a gun at his home. If convicted at trial he could have faced up to four years in prison.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Terry Smerling placed conditions on the probation, including that only 400 hours of the community service could involve the youth football league.
The judge also ruled that Snoop Dogg could not have any gang members in his entourage and must notify the probation department before leaving the state. The rapper must also provide authorities a DNA sample and he must have a medical permit if he uses marijuana.
The rapper caused a sensation when he arrived in a fur-collared black leather jacket, T-shirt and sequined jeans.
Teenagers screeched when the music star strutted down a hallway to the courtroom. Court security ordered them to stop taking pictures.
Defense attorney Donald Etra said outside court that Snoop Dogg smokes marijuana because he has migraines and has a medical permit under state law.
Etra said Snoop Dogg's security staff and drivers are all currently licensed by the state and they and his entourage do not include gang members.
"Snoop's position is he wants to give children and teenagers an example to follow," Etra said of the football league.
Etra said that Snoop Dogg "recognizes he got a great deal" given his prior convictions.
If he violates probation he will be sentenced to three years in state prison. The two charges to which he pleaded do not count as strikes under the three-strikes law because they did not involve violence, said district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.
Snoop Dogg also faces separate felony charges stemming from the Sept. 27 discovery of a collapsible baton in his computer bag by a security screener at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
Authorities allege the baton was a dangerous weapon. Snoop Dogg has said it was a prop for a video he was filming in New York and pleaded not guilty.
Etra called those charges "bogus."
"We intend to vigorously defend them," the attorney said.
Snoop Dogg was convicted in 1990 of cocaine possession and charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years' probation and a promise to make public-service announcements against violence.
He was acquitted of a murder charge in 1996 after the death of an alleged street-gang member killed by gunfire from the vehicle in which Snoop Dogg was traveling.
The 35-year-old rapper, born Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., agreed to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service. He faced charges of gun possession by a felon and sale or transportation of marijuana.
He said little other than "no contest" when the charges were read.
Snoop Dogg's recent arrests marked the end of a relatively long trouble-free stretch for the rapper. He has burnished his image in recent years with appearances in mainstream movies and by starting a youth football league.
He was arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank Oct. 26 on suspicion of transporting marijuana. Police later found a gun at his home. If convicted at trial he could have faced up to four years in prison.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Terry Smerling placed conditions on the probation, including that only 400 hours of the community service could involve the youth football league.
The judge also ruled that Snoop Dogg could not have any gang members in his entourage and must notify the probation department before leaving the state. The rapper must also provide authorities a DNA sample and he must have a medical permit if he uses marijuana.
The rapper caused a sensation when he arrived in a fur-collared black leather jacket, T-shirt and sequined jeans.
Teenagers screeched when the music star strutted down a hallway to the courtroom. Court security ordered them to stop taking pictures.
Defense attorney Donald Etra said outside court that Snoop Dogg smokes marijuana because he has migraines and has a medical permit under state law.
Etra said Snoop Dogg's security staff and drivers are all currently licensed by the state and they and his entourage do not include gang members.
"Snoop's position is he wants to give children and teenagers an example to follow," Etra said of the football league.
Etra said that Snoop Dogg "recognizes he got a great deal" given his prior convictions.
If he violates probation he will be sentenced to three years in state prison. The two charges to which he pleaded do not count as strikes under the three-strikes law because they did not involve violence, said district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.
Snoop Dogg also faces separate felony charges stemming from the Sept. 27 discovery of a collapsible baton in his computer bag by a security screener at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
Authorities allege the baton was a dangerous weapon. Snoop Dogg has said it was a prop for a video he was filming in New York and pleaded not guilty.
Etra called those charges "bogus."
"We intend to vigorously defend them," the attorney said.
Snoop Dogg was convicted in 1990 of cocaine possession and charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years' probation and a promise to make public-service announcements against violence.
He was acquitted of a murder charge in 1996 after the death of an alleged street-gang member killed by gunfire from the vehicle in which Snoop Dogg was traveling.
The Associated Press
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Snoop Dogg Hit With Gun and Drug Charges
LOS ANGELES -- Snoop Dogg was charged Tuesday with felony gun and drug counts, Los Angeles County prosecutors said.
The 35-year-old rap star was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Pasadena, prosecutors said in a statement.
Snoop Dogg faces charges of gun possession by a felon and sale or transportation of marijuana.
He was arrested Oct. 26 by Burbank police at Bob Hope Airport on suspicion of transportation of a controlled substance. Burbank police later discovered a gun at his home.
If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
"These were changes we fully expected," said Snoop Dogg's attorney, Donald Etra. "They will be dealt with in court tomorrow. The matter will be resolved tomorrow."
The rapper was convicted in 1990 of cocaine possession and charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years' probation and a promise to make public-service announcements against violence.
The rapper's manager, Constance Schwartz, said there would be no comment Tuesday but a written statement would be issued Wednesday.
The 35-year-old rap star was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Pasadena, prosecutors said in a statement.
Snoop Dogg faces charges of gun possession by a felon and sale or transportation of marijuana.
He was arrested Oct. 26 by Burbank police at Bob Hope Airport on suspicion of transportation of a controlled substance. Burbank police later discovered a gun at his home.
If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
"These were changes we fully expected," said Snoop Dogg's attorney, Donald Etra. "They will be dealt with in court tomorrow. The matter will be resolved tomorrow."
The rapper was convicted in 1990 of cocaine possession and charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years' probation and a promise to make public-service announcements against violence.
The rapper's manager, Constance Schwartz, said there would be no comment Tuesday but a written statement would be issued Wednesday.
The Associated Press
Fire Destroys Johnny Cash Home
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -- Firefighters were battling flames Tuesday afternoon in a major fire at the home of the late country singer Johnny Cash.
Dispatchers said all but one of the city's engines had responded to the fire in the suburb northeast of Nashville.
No injuries were reported.
Hendersonville Fire Department officials said construction crews were working at the house when the fire started. The cause is unknown.
Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, lived at the house until their deaths in 2003.
The property was purchased by Barry Gibb, a member of the Bee Gees, in January 2006. Gibb and his wife, Linda, had said they planned to restore the home on Old Hickory Lake and hoped to write songs there.
Gibb's spokesman, Paul Bloch, said the 60-year-old singer and his family are "both saddened and devastated by the news."
Bloch declined to release further details about the house or the fire.
While the Cashes lived there, the 13,880-square-foot house, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, was visited by everyone from U.S. presidents to ordinary fans.
Johnny Cash's musical career began in the 1950s and spanned rock 'n' roll, folk and country. His hits included "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line."
The Bee Gees are best known for their disco hits of the late 1970s such as "Night Fever" and "Jive Talkin'."
The Associated Press
Dispatchers said all but one of the city's engines had responded to the fire in the suburb northeast of Nashville.
No injuries were reported.
Hendersonville Fire Department officials said construction crews were working at the house when the fire started. The cause is unknown.
Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, lived at the house until their deaths in 2003.
The property was purchased by Barry Gibb, a member of the Bee Gees, in January 2006. Gibb and his wife, Linda, had said they planned to restore the home on Old Hickory Lake and hoped to write songs there.
Gibb's spokesman, Paul Bloch, said the 60-year-old singer and his family are "both saddened and devastated by the news."
Bloch declined to release further details about the house or the fire.
While the Cashes lived there, the 13,880-square-foot house, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, was visited by everyone from U.S. presidents to ordinary fans.
Johnny Cash's musical career began in the 1950s and spanned rock 'n' roll, folk and country. His hits included "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line."
The Bee Gees are best known for their disco hits of the late 1970s such as "Night Fever" and "Jive Talkin'."
The Associated Press
Live Earth Concert Lineups Revealed
LONDON -- Live Earth concerts will be held July 7 in cities around the world, including London, aimed at raising climate change awareness.
Madonna, the Beastie Boys and Black Eyed Peas will headline the concert at Wembley stadium in London. They will be joined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Keane, Foo Fighters and others.
Headliners for the U.S. concert at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., include Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Kanye West, Rihanna, John Mayer, Smashing Pumpkins and Fall Out Boy, it was announced Tuesday.
Other shows will take place in Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Organizers have also promised an event in Antarctica.
The concerts mark the start of a new campaign called Save Our Selves, The Campaign for a Climate in Crisis.
"This monster lineup will ensure Live Earth meets our goal of bringing together people from around the world to combat the climate crisis," Live Earth Founder and Executive Producer Kevin Wall said in a statement Tuesday. "Musicians who have answered our call span multiple genres and generations."
The concerts will be broadcast in the U.S. by General Electric Co.'s NBC network and on more than 120 networks around the world, and streamed live online.
Promoters hope the concerts will reach an audience of 2 billion people. Proceeds will create a foundation to combat climate change led by The Alliance for Climate Protection, which is chaired by former Vice President Al Gore.
Madonna, the Beastie Boys and Black Eyed Peas will headline the concert at Wembley stadium in London. They will be joined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Keane, Foo Fighters and others.
Headliners for the U.S. concert at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., include Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Kanye West, Rihanna, John Mayer, Smashing Pumpkins and Fall Out Boy, it was announced Tuesday.
Other shows will take place in Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Organizers have also promised an event in Antarctica.
The concerts mark the start of a new campaign called Save Our Selves, The Campaign for a Climate in Crisis.
"This monster lineup will ensure Live Earth meets our goal of bringing together people from around the world to combat the climate crisis," Live Earth Founder and Executive Producer Kevin Wall said in a statement Tuesday. "Musicians who have answered our call span multiple genres and generations."
The concerts will be broadcast in the U.S. by General Electric Co.'s NBC network and on more than 120 networks around the world, and streamed live online.
Promoters hope the concerts will reach an audience of 2 billion people. Proceeds will create a foundation to combat climate change led by The Alliance for Climate Protection, which is chaired by former Vice President Al Gore.
The Associated Press
Monday, April 9, 2007
Imus Under Fire After On-Air Racial Slur
NEW YORK -- The radio station that produces Don Imus' talk show pledged to keep tabs on its content after he apologized for calling the players on Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy headed hos."
"We are disappointed by Imus' actions earlier this week which we find completely inappropriate," WFAN-AM said in a statement Friday. "We fully agree that a sincere apology was called for and will continue to monitor the program's content going forward."
Imus apologized Friday for the comments made earlier this week on his nationally syndicated program.
The National Association of Black Journalists demanded the immediate firing of the "Imus in the Morning" host. Imus questioned the players' looks, describing them as tattooed "rough girls." His producer compared the team — which has eight black members — to the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
Near the start of Friday's show, Imus said he wanted to "apologize for an insensitive and ill-conceived remark we made the other morning referring to the Rutgers women's basketball team."
"It was completely inappropriate, and we can understand why people were offended. Our characterization was thoughtless and stupid, and we are sorry."
Gregory Lee, an NABJ officer and senior assistant sports editor at The Boston Globe, said the mea culpa did little to atone for the comments.
"You can apologize, but what does that mean when you have a history of making disparaging remarks about people?" Lee asked about the acid-tongued Imus. "This kind of behavior must be punished. I hope the company and sponsors he has take some sort of action ... to educate him."
NABJ President Bryan Monroe asked Thursday if Imus had "lost his mind" and called for the veteran radio host's dismissal. Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer was also incensed by the comments about her team.
"I am deeply saddened and angered by Mr. Imus' statements," said Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer. "To serve as a joke of Mr. Imus in such an insensitive manner creates a wedge and makes light of these classy individuals, both as women and as women of color."
Imus was speaking with producer Bernard McGurk when the NCAA title game between Rutgers and Tennessee came up.
"That's some rough girls from Rutgers," Imus said. "Man, they got tattoos ..."
"Some hardcore hos," said McGurk.
"That's some nappy headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus said.
Imus, a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame and one of the nation's best-known radio voices, is renowned for his caustic style and politically incorrect verbal broadsides. His show is syndicated to millions of listeners at more than 70 stations around the country.
At MSNBC, where the radio program is simulcast on television, officials offered Imus no support.
"'Imus in the Morning' is not a production of the cable network and is produced by WFAN Radio," said a statement from the network. "As Imus makes clear every day, his views are not those of MSNBC. We regret that his remarks were aired on MSNBC and apologize for these offensive comments."
In a joint statement, NCAA President Myles Brand and Rutgers President Richard McCormick condemned Imus' slur.
"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," their statement read.
"We are disappointed by Imus' actions earlier this week which we find completely inappropriate," WFAN-AM said in a statement Friday. "We fully agree that a sincere apology was called for and will continue to monitor the program's content going forward."
Imus apologized Friday for the comments made earlier this week on his nationally syndicated program.
The National Association of Black Journalists demanded the immediate firing of the "Imus in the Morning" host. Imus questioned the players' looks, describing them as tattooed "rough girls." His producer compared the team — which has eight black members — to the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
Near the start of Friday's show, Imus said he wanted to "apologize for an insensitive and ill-conceived remark we made the other morning referring to the Rutgers women's basketball team."
"It was completely inappropriate, and we can understand why people were offended. Our characterization was thoughtless and stupid, and we are sorry."
Gregory Lee, an NABJ officer and senior assistant sports editor at The Boston Globe, said the mea culpa did little to atone for the comments.
"You can apologize, but what does that mean when you have a history of making disparaging remarks about people?" Lee asked about the acid-tongued Imus. "This kind of behavior must be punished. I hope the company and sponsors he has take some sort of action ... to educate him."
NABJ President Bryan Monroe asked Thursday if Imus had "lost his mind" and called for the veteran radio host's dismissal. Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer was also incensed by the comments about her team.
"I am deeply saddened and angered by Mr. Imus' statements," said Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer. "To serve as a joke of Mr. Imus in such an insensitive manner creates a wedge and makes light of these classy individuals, both as women and as women of color."
Imus was speaking with producer Bernard McGurk when the NCAA title game between Rutgers and Tennessee came up.
"That's some rough girls from Rutgers," Imus said. "Man, they got tattoos ..."
"Some hardcore hos," said McGurk.
"That's some nappy headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus said.
Imus, a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame and one of the nation's best-known radio voices, is renowned for his caustic style and politically incorrect verbal broadsides. His show is syndicated to millions of listeners at more than 70 stations around the country.
At MSNBC, where the radio program is simulcast on television, officials offered Imus no support.
"'Imus in the Morning' is not a production of the cable network and is produced by WFAN Radio," said a statement from the network. "As Imus makes clear every day, his views are not those of MSNBC. We regret that his remarks were aired on MSNBC and apologize for these offensive comments."
In a joint statement, NCAA President Myles Brand and Rutgers President Richard McCormick condemned Imus' slur.
"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," their statement read.
The Associated Press
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