WABC* says Imus' explanation of controversial comments "makes sense" -- then why did Warner Wolf give a different one?
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SUMMARY: On his radio show, host Don Imus explained controversial comments he'd made the previous day about Adam "Pacman" Jones, who, it was noted, is African American, by asserting, "My point was that there's no reason to arrest this kid six times. He's a football player. He's a lovely kid. He's out having fun. He doesn't need to be arrested six -- he gets arrested times. Well, we know why he gets arrested six times." But, sportscaster Warner Wolf, who was part of both conversations, offered a different explanation: "[A]nybody that listens to the show knows that whether it's a politician or an athlete or anyone, someone who's obviously guilty, you joke and say, 'Well, it must have been racism.' I mean, it's a joke. I mean, we all know that 'Pacman' is no model citizen. The guy's been arrested and suspended. So it's a joke." Notwithstanding the apparent conflict in their explanations, WABC's* Phil Boyce reportedly said of Imus' explanation: "When I first heard the comment I thought that's probably what he meant, but I called him and he explained and it made sense to me. I said, 'Let's make sure you explain it the next time you're on the air,' and he did a very good job."
On the June 24 edition of ABC Radio Networks' Imus in the Morning, host Don Imus gave his explanation for controversial comments he had made the previous day about Dallas Cowboys football player Adam "Pacman" Jones , who, it was noted, is African American, by asserting, "The point was, in order to make a sarcastic point, I asked [sportscaster] Warner [Wolf] what color he was," and later adding, "What people should be outraged about is that they arrest blacks for no reason. And, I mean, there's no reason to arrest this kid six times." After co-host and news anchor Charles McCord asked, "And when does it simply become harassment?" Imus answered, "I didn't -- yes, exactly. They shoot blacks for no reason. We know about that in New York City. I mean, we already understand all this." However later in the program, sportscaster Warner Wolf -- who was also part of the June 23 discussion, during which Imus referred to Jones' race in the context of talking about his numerous arrests -- said, "[A]nybody that listens to the show knows that whether it's a politician or an athlete or anyone, someone who's obviously guilty, you joke and say, 'Well, it must have been racism.' I mean, it's a joke. I mean, we all know that 'Pacman' is no model citizen. The guy's been arrested and suspended. So it's a joke. You say, 'Well, it must be racism.' It's like [former Chicago Bears player] Cedric Benson. Guy's suspended, in fact, released by the Bears. Intoxicated while driving a boat, intoxicated while driving. And you say, 'Well, he was released? Must be racism.' It's a joke." Imus did not contest Wolf's characterization of Imus' June 23 remark during the next day's discussion. Notwithstanding the apparent conflict in their explanations, Newsday reported on June 25 that WABC* director of programming Phil Boyce said of Imus' explanation: "When I first heard the comment I thought that's probably what he meant, but I called him and he explained and it made sense to me. I said, 'Let's make sure you explain it the next time you're on the air,' and he did a very good job."
Also during the June 24 program, Wolf asserted, "I think there's also another side. Many times during the show, whether it's an athlete or a politician, when a guy is obviously in the wrong -- let's say, like Cedric Benson, arrested for drinking, driving a boat, driving a car, we know he's wrong -- and you'll jokingly say, 'Well, it must be racism.' " Imus responded, not by challenging Wolf's different interpretation, but by asserting, "Well, yeah, I mean, it's --" before Wolf interrupted, "I mean, it's a joke."
On the June 23 edition of Imus in the Morning, Wolf noted that Jones had been suspended "following a shooting at a Vegas nightclub." Imus said, "Well, stuff happens. You're in a nightclub, for God's sake. What do you think's going to happen in a nightclub? People are drinking, they're doing drugs, there are women there, and people have guns. So there -- go ahead." Wolf continued, "He's also -- he's been arrested six times since being drafted by Tennessee in 2005." Imus asked, "What color is he?" to which Wolf replied, "He's African-American." Imus said, "Oh, well, there you go. Now we know."
Wolf's comments purporting to explain Imus' June 23 remark echoed a statement Wolf reportedly made to Newsday, according to a June 24 article in that publication. Newsday reported that Wolf "said he was surprised the exchange had generated controversy." It continued, "Wolf said regular listeners would recognize it as part of a running, satirical joke in which Imus pokes fun at people who get into serious trouble, then cry racism. He made a similar joke about the Chicago Bears' Cedric Benson earlier this month after the football player's latest arrest."
From the June 23 edition of ABC Radio Networks' Imus in the Morning:
WOLF: Oh, defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones, recently signed by the Cowboys. Here's a guy suspended all of 2007, following a shooting at a Vegas nightclub.
IMUS: Well, stuff happens. You're in a nightclub, for God's sake. What do you think's going to happen in a nightclub? People are drinking, they're doing drugs, there are women there, and people have guns. So there -- go ahead.
WOLF: He's also -- he's been arrested six times since being drafted by Tennessee in 2005.
IMUS: What color is he?
WOLF: He's African-American.
IMUS: Oh, well, there you go. Now we know.
WOLF: He wants to drop his nickname "Pacman" because he says there's too much negativity tied to it. I mean, like, people aren't going to know who he is if he drops his nickname.
IMUS: Well --
WOLF: "Who's that -- who's that new player? Oh, that's Adam Jones."
IMUS: OK, that's not bad.
BERNARD McGUIRK (executive producer): How about Adam "Dickhead" Jones?
IMUS: Yeah. How about that?
WOLF: Yeah. Is there no respect, I-Man?
IMUS: I -- I'm not sure.
WOLF: Brazilian police have revealed that the great Pelé was robbed at gunpoint in Sao Paolo, Brazil, by 10 Brazilian bandits, taking his gold necklace, his watch, and his cell phone. You can't rob Pelé in Brazil. I mean, you can rob him in Peru or Uruguay or --
IMUS: Or in a nightclub in Vegas.
WOLF: There you go.
IMUS: Yeah.
WOLF: I mean this is the king, right?
IMUS: Quarter after the hour. Thanks, Warner, here on the Imus in the Morning program. We will talk with Doris Kearns Goodwin, coming up.
From the June 24 edition of Imus in the Morning:
IMUS: What did I mean by the "Pacman" Jones remark? I thought, well -- what I meant was -- when Warner and I were talking yesterday about "Pacman" Jones being arrested six times, and which I think was just -- you know, was obviously they're picking on him. So I asked Warner what color he was. Well, obviously, I already knew what color he was. The point was, in order to make a sarcastic point, I asked Warner what color he was. Warner tells me. I said, "Well, there you go." That's the point.
McCORD: Exactly.
IMUS: What people should be outraged about is that they arrest blacks for no reason. And, I mean, there's no reason to arrest this kid six times. I mean, maybe he did something once, but, I mean, everybody's done something once. I have.
And -- but, I mean, that's just --
McCORD: And when does it simply become harassment?
IMUS: I didn't -- yes, exactly. They shoot blacks for no reason. We know about that in New York City. I mean, we already understand all this.
So -- and that, in light of -- I'm thinking, this current edition of the Imus in the Morning program, in which -- I guess if you can't see it on RFDTV, you don't know, but the producer of the Imus in the Morning program, Tom Bowman, is black. Two of the co-hosts, the cast members of the program are black -- Karith Foster and Tony Powell.
How insane would I have to be? What would I be thinking -- what would I mean -- why would I sit here and say -- "Oh, yeah. There you go." I mean, how does anyone -- how does anybody -- how do you get -- make that connection?
McCORD: I don't know. And particularly now --
IMUS: I mean --
McCORD: -- after the past nearly year. My God.
IMUS: So, I mean, nobody has -- no white man with a radio or television program has done -- has had more discussions about race relations since December 3rd than I have. It was with Louise Patterson, and Jesse Jackson, Dr. Peter Gomes, and Dr. Debra Dickerson, Dick Gregory, Carl Jeffers. I mean --
McCORD: May I point out --
IMUS: You know, Karith Foster, Tony Powell. I mean, we talk about it all the time.
McCORD: Which is precisely what you said would be the thrust of this program.
IMUS: I mean, why not report on that?
McCORD: I don't know. Jesus.
IMUS: I mean, I know there's some people want to get me. But this -- you're not going to get me for -- this is ridiculous.
WOLF: You know what it reminded me of, I-Man? It's like Joe McCarthy, the 1950s witch hunt.
McCORD: It really is.
WARNER: I mean, they're looking for something, and there's nothing there.
IMUS: I mean, it's -- I mean, you know, play the tape, Lou [Rufino, sound engineer].
[...]
IMUS: Well, that's the tape. My point was that there's no reason to arrest this kid six times. He's a football player. He's a lovely kid. He's out having fun. He doesn't need to be arrested six -- he gets arrested times. Well, we know why he gets arrested six times.
McCORD: Which was your point.
IMUS: That was my point.
McGUIRK: That was clear.
McCORD: Yes, it was. To anybody who wanted to hear it.
WOLF: I think there's also another side. Many times during the show, whether it's an athlete or a politician, when a guy is obviously in the wrong -- let's say, like Cedric Benson, arrested for drinking, driving a boat, driving a car, we know he's wrong -- and you'll jokingly say, "Well, it must be racism." I mean, yeah. [laughing]
IMUS: Well, yeah, I mean, it's --
WOLF: I mean, it's a joke. Yeah.
IMUS: I mean, Karith Foster -- Karith said to me -- what were you talking about? You got fired at The View?
FOSTER: Oh, yeah, yeah. We were talking about that.
IMUS: And what did I say?
FOSTER: And you go, "Clearly, it was because you're black." Like -- which is so obviously not the case and sarcasm and -- but that's it. A lot of folks don't get sarcasm.
WOLF: They don't get it.
FOSTER: That's -- it's unfortunate, but that's -- they don't get it.
McCORD: But this case was clear. It never entered my mind anything else was intended by that remark. It was clear. This is the reason why he has been arrested a half-dozen times.
[...]
[This portion of Imus in the Morning is not broadcast on television]
IMUS: So, Warner, you're going to do sports in a little bit here.
WOLF: Yes, I will.
IMUS: How great is this going to be, though?
WOLF: I just wanted to -- if I may just butt in here -- and just one more thing, not to be redundant, but --
IMUS: By the way, Warner, you are a first-class person.
WOLF: Oh. That's very nice of you.
IMUS: Anyway, go ahead.
WOLF: Well, I was just going to say -- something -- people made something out of nothing here. And it really is -- you know, it's like -- it's disappointing, because we are part of a media. But anybody that listens to the show knows that whether it's a politician or an athlete or anyone, someone who's obviously guilty, you joke and say, "Well, it must have been racism." I mean, it's a joke.
I mean, we all know that "Pacman" is no model citizen. The guy's been arrested and suspended. So it's a joke. You say, "Well, it must be racism." It's like Cedric Benson. Guy's suspended, in fact, released by the Bears. Intoxicated while driving a boat, intoxicated while driving. And you say, "Well, he was released? Must be racism." It's a joke. I mean --
IMUS: Well, it's trying to make a point, which is --
WOLF: Yes.
IMUS: Yeah.
WOLF: I can't --
IMUS: Well, I -- but Dick Gregory had good point, too, I thought, a great point. And that was, you're going to be held accountable --
McCORD: Yep.
IMUS: -- for past sins, and I don't have a big problem with that, because I go back to what I said initially about the Rutgers comment. Don't say stuff like that. And so -- and that was the reason I ever offered any lame excuse for it. Don't make fun of innocent people and say stuff that's not true and that is mean-spirited. And if you do, apologize for it, ask forgiveness, and move on. And don't do it again. Which I don't intend to do. So. This is --
POWELL: The point is, you should be held accountable for things when you do sin, but if you have not sinned, then they should not be held accountable for not having done anything wrong. I think that -- that's also true.
IMUS: Now it's Reverend Tony Powell.
McCORD: Amen.
[crosstalk]
FOSTER: Amen to that.
IMUS: I love that.
It's 11 after the hour. Speaking of all that, please welcome -- well, not all that. Please welcome to the Imus in the Morning program Hulk Hogan. Good morning, Mr. Hogan.
ABC says Imus' explanation of controversial comments "makes sense" -- then why did Warner Wolf give a different one?
Not really sure but I accept Imus explanation , this is IMO not an issue , I agree with Imus when he said "they arrest blacks for no reason. And, I mean, there's no reason to arrest this kid six times." African Americans are harrassed by urban police throught our nation and maybe in some sick way Imus has helped bring that back to the forefront.
Maybe, but maybe we are giving too much credit and press to a "Sportscaster"?
Bottom line is African American youth are targeted by nazi like tactics of our police and if Imus says so I am glad to have him on the right side of this.
You know, I will agree to a point that many times, the person arrested was racially profiled before being charged.
But 8/10 times, regardless of race, they were doing something they shouldn't have and got caught. Lets not act like the people gang banging on the corners in the ghetto's are really sitting around and playing charades. Theres a reason for the percentage of blacks in the prison is that much more than whites...and its not because of racial profiling. Its a simple fact that more menace and murders take place in predominantly black neighborhoods. Theres always more to the story than pure racism, even if there is a portion of that in the mix.
Who mentioned anything about people getting off the hook because of connections? Sure they do, its no secret. Its all in who you know, and who you are.
But what does that have to do with doing the crime in the first place? Nothing.
There ya go again. You make the claim that there's a reason there are more blacks in jail than whites and then dismiss the fact that whites are more likely to not do time than blacks. Yeah, nice double standard there.
Yeah that's it, I'd sure like to see full proof of that correlation. For god sake, OJ can get off with murder, and you're complaining about people not doing the time. Like somehow, someone having a prescription drug addiction is similar to committing a physical crime onto another human being. Next, you're going to tell me that Michael Vick is only in jail and was prosecuted because hes black.
Please, get a life, and quit crying racist ever step of the way.
Theres a reason for the percentage of blacks in the prison is that much more than whites...and its not because of racial profiling. Its a simple fact that more menace and murders take place in predominantly black neighborhoods.
Columbus1492 / Wednesday June 25, 2008 2:54:07 PM EDT
You still havent proven anything besides saying showing that there is a slightly higher percentage of black people who commit murders, and a slightly higher percentage of white people who are murdered...then saying that half the population are in jail for non violent & drug related crimes.
Again, none of that has anything to do with the topic at hand.
There are disparities in arrests and in sentencing and it is based on race and ethnicity. In other words Blacks and Hispanics get go strait to jail cards while White offenders are given second chances. Why not so some research before you speak.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0542853020080506
http://www.sentencingproject.org/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsID=639
http://www.sentencingproject.org/IssueAreaHome.aspx?IssueID=3
And another thing - I love how you cons like to scream for more jails and then dismiss crimes that don't fit your definition of reasons for incarceration.
Those, of course, and the crimes committed by conservatives like Tom DeLay, Duke Cunningham, Jack Abramoff, etc.....
I agree with Imus when he said "they arrest blacks for no reason. And, I mean, There's no reason to arrest this kid six times."
Ok, its fine to have the point of view that many blacks, especially in urban areas, are racially targeted. But if you're honestly going to back that thought by presenting the case of Pacman Jones, then you have no credibility on the subject. He is not the poster child for your argument.
In fact, you know the girl in his strip club debacle was just murdered about a week ago?
Either explanation is feasible.
But WITH? What does this have to do with Conservative mis-information or furthering a Conservative agenda?
Imus was the darling of many politicians & media folks from the Left & Right....though I'd guess he's poison these days....
If Al Sharpton takes this on [as he has suggested he might] I don't think he'll much support.
If Al Sharpton takes this on [as he has suggested he might] I don't think he'll much support.
Well Jeter he would not have my support.
Well Jeter he would not have my support.
Al will be crushed to hear that... ;>)
You know, it's possible that he actually meant something about "profiling", but you know what: who really cares, and so what about this guy... there must be an alley into which he can crawl, and disappear forever, and leave us to attend to more important things... but hey, I just have to note two things: One, this guy insults our intelligence when he says "I mean, how does anyone -- how does anybody -- how do you get -- make that connection?" He insults our intelligence: it's easy to make the connection the claims isn't there (and I'm not trying to correctly interpret what he said, I'm just saying that it's easily interpreted as being racist)... and when he said that, about how someone must be "out there" or disconnected, to make the racist association, it made me think of that "perception experiment", the one where there's a black and white image of what looks like a vase: but it could also look like two faces in silhouette, facing each other... and where imus claims that we must be nuts for making a racism interpretation of his remarks, it's a little like saying someone is nuts for seeing two faces in that picture I described, instead of a vase: or nuts for seeing a vase, when you see two faces... the fact being that both images are truly there: and as far as what imus said? On it's surface it can easily mean both things... it can just as easily be racist, as easily as there is a vase instead of two faces.
The other thing to note is this: yet again we see someone who thinks they can or should talk about race color or heritage, and yet they then acted shocked and amazed that anybody would interpret what they said, as being racist...
Why is don imus's opinion in racial matters important? Why must he share with us his thoughts on race, on the radio? He doesn't need to do that... we don't care to hear it... it's not news: it's not even an interesting opinion, or insightful... Why does he prattle on about race? Who does he think he's teaching or informing, or even amusing and entertaining?
No one and nobody, I say.
Want to stay above any accusation that you've said something racist? All you have to do is shut your stupid mouth don imus, and don't talk about race... we don't need to hear it... we already know... it's not news, so don't talk about it.
-- Notwithstanding the apparent conflict in their explanations -- mmfa
Oh my aching ass...Imus made the statement...not Wolf.
This is a sorry attempt by mmfa to stir up racism. What Wolf has to say about the statement from Imus has ZERO bearings on the issue. Foser's last column talked about Carnac the Magnificent...he must work at mmfa.
Quick everyone grab the rope. Imus has said something else that offended someone. Burn him at the stake!
I listened to the show via internet streaming that very day. His explanation makes perfect sense to me. So what if Warner Wolfe gives a different explanation. That just shows how different people percieve this differently. why is it aht some folks just won't be happy until this man is completely eliminated form the airwaves?
Agreed, while I don't believe him*, he did speak to it and expain himself.
* he was moking those who speak out about racial profiling, not backing them.
?
(meant to end with a question mark, not a period.)
It is by no means obvious that Imus was being racist. He could have beenh referring to the fact blacks are disproportionally arrested. He once said Katrina victims were treated that way becausethey were black, and is on record saying Bush "doesn't care enoughas about black people".
Yes, he has been racist too, but we can't read minds.
I being dense, here?
"He's a lovely kid".
(rolls eyes)
Yeah, Bruce, that has to be sarcastic.
Imus is playing here.
Took you folks at MMFA over 24 hours to pick up on the Imus (Ridiculous Accusation). You boys and girls are slipping. Slow on the trigger. And it is now over. Done.
Get off your high horses and support your fake Candidate Obama. Attack MSNBC, FOX, SAVAGE and Rush. But you see Dick Gregory made a point you didn't broadcast. There are people (LIKE YOU) that will hold you accountable for past sins. Get over it. I am and anyone who says otherwise on this comment area is nuts to think otherwise.
WABC director of programming Phil Boyce said of Imus' explanation: "When I first heard the comment I thought that's probably what he meant, but I called him and he explained and it made sense to me. I said, 'Let's make sure you explain it the next time you're on the air,' and he did a very good job."
Translation: "When I first heard the uproar over the comment I thought maybe we could spin it that he was sticking up for the poor downtrodden black man, so I called him and explained it to him. I said, "Let's make sure you explain it just that way the next time you're on the air,' and he did an adequate job."
And with the perfuntory statement out of the way, the explanation shifts from it being a joke about how blacks are often treated unfairly to a joke about how blacks are often falsely claiming they have been treated unfairly.
Finally found the opening from the cave, did you? Come on out into the sunlight. Your brilliant comments are most welcome.
Finally found the opening from the cave, did you? Come on out into the sunlight. Your brilliant comments are most welcome.
Yep. They're always good for a chuckle.