>The basketball players didn't make the fuss. They don't need to grow up. They've been incredibly gracious throughout this mess.
>
>I think the reaction to Imus' stupid remarks is what escalated it to a mess (and that includes the fact that CBS didn't suspend him right away.)


Imus didn't help himself any with his initial reaction, which was essentially "Get over it, folks." It wasn't until he realized he was in real trouble that he made any act of contrition.

That CBS and MSNBC didn't fire him right away had just as much to do with money as their subsequent decision to can him did. He had high ratings, he was syndicated, the money was pouring in. When the advertising money fled we found out, if we didn't already know, what really drives the business.

The bottom line is he never should have said something so stupid. After all these years in the business he should have known better.