Rutgers team accepts Imus' apology

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PISCATAWAY, N.J., April 13 (UPI) -- The Rutgers University women's basketball team asked others to join the healing process as it accepted Don Imus' apology for his racially charged remarks.

"We ... accept Mr. Imus' apology. We are in the process of forgiving," Rutgers women's coach C. Vivian Stringer said during a news conference Friday on the New Jersey campus. "We still find his statements to be unacceptable."

Imus met with the team, coaches and family members Thursday at the New Jersey governor's mansion. Earlier in the day CBS canceled "Imus in the Morning" in the aftermath of his racist remark about the team for which he apologized many times.

"These comments are indicative of greater ills in our culture," Stringer said. "We hope this will be and serve as a catalyst for change. The healing process must begin."

As for the team members, Stringer said their focus would return to their studies and asked that the decision be respected.

At no time did the basketball team "ask for Mr. Imus' job," Stringer said, adding, "give him credit" for attending the meeting after his show was canceled. She said the shock jock explained the context in which the remarks were made and expressed remorse.