""We Hold Our Heads High with Dignity" Rutgers Coach

In response to last Wednesdays comments by the so called 'political commentator', Don Imus; Rutgers Girls Basketball Coach Stringer spoke up in a press conference in defense of her team. "Have we lost a sense of our own moral fiber? I am going to suggest that bright thinking people, give thought before they speak." Referring to the thoughtless statements made by Imus. The coach spoke of the privilege she had to work with these brilliant girls who are preparing for leadership positions in society.

The young girls on the Rutgers team were degraded and humiliated last Wednesday when Don Imus called them "Nappy Headed Ho's" among other things. These girls he called 'ho's' , some are valedictorians, some studying to become doctors, some gifted musicians. The Coach stated "with every breath in my body I will defend them."

"Your parents have a right to be hurt and angry" said Coach Stringer. "If we can't support them I don't know who we support?" Coach Stringer said the girls were deeply hurt by the deplorable comments. The comments made the Wednesday overshadowed their Easter celebrations. These girls should have been celebrating their achievements with their families, however, they claimed the talk surrounding their weekend was Imus's remarks.

The racist and hateful remarks aimed at these girls saddens me. I am an advocate of free speech. However, this was not an expression of an opinion, nor 'news' or 'information' nor an 'opinion' this was hate. This was an attack on successful women everywhere. An attack on hard working, brilliant young girls. An attack? Am I being 'over sensitive'? I don't think so. These remarks where intended to be hurtful. Who did they hurt more? The brilliant girls from Rutgers who will no doubt succeed in the future in their careers? Or the mumbling, many times appearing to be incoherent Don Imus? I think this time he has really shown his true colors. And so have these classy ladies. Imus is suspended for two weeks from his MSNBC show "Imus In The Morning".

Don Imus will reportedly meet with the girls in an undisclosed location. I am certain he will do some butt kissing, and back peddling. I hope if you ever fall ill in your old age, that you don't end up in the E.R. of one of these "nappy headed ho's".