When the Rutgers women's basketball team returned from the weekend, President McCormick and I met with Coach Stringer and the team.

We wanted to make sure they understood the position of the University and of the Athletic Department that the comments made by Don Imus were reprehensible and disgusting, as were the comments of the show's producer.  They abused the unique privilege they have of speaking to the country over the airways, and assassinated the character of 10 exceptionally talented and hard working young women.

We expressed to these outstanding women that we understood the depth of their hurt to the degree that we could and that they were unfairly characterized in a vile, despicable and racist manner.  They, and their families, are feeling terrible about it.  We share their anger and indignation and want to express fully our pride in them.  They did absolutely nothing to deserve this treatment. I don't want anything to tarnish the magnitude of the team's accomplishments this year.

I have relayed the message of Don Imus and his offer to apologize in person to the students and asked them to let me know how they wished to respond if at all.

It is time we all understand the lack of civility and sensitivity in our relations and that this should serve as a stunning reminder to everyone that before they make frivolous comments of a sensitive and hurtful nature that they consider the consequences. 

You cannot erase the hurt but you can have people change their ways.

These are outstanding young women who represent their university in a magnificent and classy manner.  They deserve the admiration of everyone.

We are in the process of considering our options so that the country can see what this University stands for and the quality, strength and character of our women's basketball team.

We would ask the media to stop trying to call or text message them and remind them that we have departmental policies about contacting student-athletes and the media understands any requests for contact must come through the Athletic Communications Office.  Nothing should tarnish the magnitude of the team's accomplishments this year.