In an article published by the New York Daily News, Rev. Al Sharpton offers his “five musts” for Don Imus’ return to the airwaves. “Indeed, if Imus wants to get back in front of the microphone, there are five steps that he should take to prove that he has learned from the experience — and not simply waited for the furor to die down,” said Sharpton.

First, Sharpton says, Imus must come to terms with the women “he denigrated” in a concrete way. “One of the Rutgers women has filed a lawsuit, and rather than play legal games with her, he should settle that suit — and any other claims that the team members may make due to the psychological and public damage he did to them personally,” Sharpton wrote.

Second, Imus should publicly state (if true) that he now understands what led to his termination: “Americans of all races and economic levels believe we can no longer move forward as a society by taking cheap shots at women and blacks or any other group,” he says.

Third, Sharpton wants Imus to pledge he will refrain from attacks on “innocent people,” and that his new employer should publicly release a contract clause making clear that he will not be permitted to engage in any racist, sexist or homophobic comments.

Fourth, to show that he is truly committed to turning the page, Sharpton wants Imus to set aside some regular weekly broadcast time to sit with an “ombudsman,” someone else of color, who will mix it up with him and critique issues of the day.

Finally, Sharpton wants Imus to encourage all corporations, including the record industry, to stop subsidizing and promoting people who engage in racist and misogynist language. “The rules must not be different for black rappers than they are for white broadcasters,” Sharpton concluded. (08-20-07)