April 11, 2007

West Point, NY - Kevin Anderson, chairperson of the NACDA Division I-A Athletics Directors McLendon Scholarship Steering Committee and athletics director at Army, released a statement today supporting the Rutgers women's basketball team following the recent situation relative to comments made by radio host Don Imus. He stated the following:

I would like to congratulate Rutgers University's Athletics Director, Bob Mulcahy, head coach Vivian Stringer, and the student-athletes of the Rutgers women's basketball team for their phenomenal accomplishments this season. Their story was compelling, inspiring, and a reminder of what is good about college athletics.

Thanks to a personal friendship with Rutgers assistant coach Maryanne Stanley, I shared the joy and thrills during their great run to the Final Four.

With that understanding in place, I was outraged to learn of the statements Don Imus made on his national radio broadcast last week. Clearly, such caustic ignorance does not deserve a public forum.

No woman--mother, daughter, or sister--should suffer such insults. Don Imus abused his position as a national figure, and regardless of any attempted humor, his statements were deplorable. His cruel words cut across all social lines and was affront to all fair-minded people.

I applaud coach Stringer and her players for their actions these past few days, they have handled a demeaning situation with great dignity. To their honor and credit, they have agreed to meet with Mr. Imus in an effort to gain a better understanding of the motivation behind his comments. As they attempt to produce some good from such a despicable act, I trust that they will overcome these horrible stereotypes and further the cause of women and minorities everywhere.

While time will heal the wounds partially, the remaining sting serves as a solemn reminder that our society still faces a moral climb toward equality and respect for all.