NABC Condemns Bigotry of Radio Program

I received this email blast from the National Association of Basketball Coaches today:

The board of directors of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) commended the outstanding season and accomplishments of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team on Wednesday and condemned the unanticipated and disparaging comments about the team from nationally syndicated talk show personality Don Imus.

“First and foremost, we want to congratulate NCAA women’s basketball champion Tennessee and NCAA runner-up Rutgers for their outstanding seasons,” said Jim Boeheim, NABC president and head men’s basketball coach at Syracuse University. “In light of the recent verbal assault by Mr. Imus, it’s unfortunate that these teams have not received the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments this season.”

“The NABC wants to commend Coach C. Vivian Stringer and the members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team, not only for a great season, but also for the way they have responded to this unwarranted attack. They have presented themselves with dignity and class,” said NABC Executive Director Jim Haney.

“While society is trying to move more toward human dignity and respect, we can learn from this that there needs to be greater accountability for such bigotry,” said Haney. “Media networks and corporate America must not condone this hurtful rhetoric as it perpetuates and creates divisions and hatred among people. The NABC will continue to champion efforts to make these types of actions and behavior unacceptable in our society.”