Don Imus and the Lacrosse Players

Don Imus is a jerk. Always has been. Back in the '70's when I first read about him, he was up there with Howard Stern, a 'shock jock', albeit not as good as Howard is (that's a sarcastic comment, Don Imus hasn't enjoyed the notariety or salary that Howard has). He's on AM radio, for heaven's sake! This foot in his mouth (or up his a$$) may have made his career or ended it, either way, he's getting something from this, somehow. I'm not saying it was planned, I believe he was pushing the envelope and just pushed it too far. What he said was cruel, mean-spirited and just plain in bad taste, but that's how he's made his career for the last 30 years.

On the other hand, Al Sharpton has made his share of comments in poor taste, also, but no one asked him to resign. Al Sharpton is just trying to regain some spotlight. That's the thing to do in America, call for an apology, call for a resignation and then the offender goes into rehab. At least Imus hasn't used a drug addiction or alcohol as an excuse for opening his mouth, he has taken responsibility for making a stupid comment. But that doesn't make it right. And yes, Sharpton and the other headline-grabbing Reverand, Jesse Jackson should call for the resignation of all record company executives for their support of rap music. But rap music is making money for a lot of black Americans. Even Republicans can't argue with the power of money.

All this furor over a 2-bit DJ in New York isn't worth the time everyone is spending on it.

Now for the Lacrosse Players. Yes, it's good they got off, if they were innocent. But not every woman who cries rape is making it up, and you have to investigate every rape claim as if it was a rape. Rapes do happen, and believe it or not, athletes have been known to rape women. We all know that athletes in college and high school get special treatment. They skip classes and folks look the other way, their grades get inflated (remember the coach at UGA?), they have a very low GPA, they do just enough to stay on the team. They get special housing, I've even heard they don't have to eat regular dorm food at college. Why? Because they bring money into the school coffers.

They are taught that they are above the rules, and can conduct themselves pretty much anyway they want. And they do. So when an athelete or anyone is involved in a rape situation, it should be investigated. Rape is forced, unwanted sexual intercourse. Even prostitutes can get raped. Rape is not a sex crime, it's a violent crime. The perpetrator is attempting to control the victim, so at a lacrosse party fueled by alcohol, those college students could easily be in a situation where they are trying to control the 'townies'. It has happened before. These girls weren't even Duke students, so you know these boys respected them (sarcasm!)

The problem I have is, if these are such 'nice kids' why were they in a situation where rape could have happened? Why were they having a wild, party with booze and the local girls? ( I know that's a 'duh' question, but people have to realize what they do could get them in trouble.) Lacrosse players have a reputation for being a bit wild, so I'm sure these jocks were living up to their reputation.

I hope this situation has taught them to 1) control their behavior, 2) be aware of their surroundings and 3) choose their friends and party buddies more carefully.