Angry N.J. rallies in defense of its wounded heroes

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2007 | by Jennifer Moroz Inquirer Staff Writer

As the national firestorm raged on over a radio host's racially charged comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team, New Jersey yesterday rushed to the defense of its wounded heroes.

Much of the state - including Gov. Corzine - rallied around the players, consoling them and voicing the rage and hurt that school officials say team members have felt since Don Imus called them "nappy-headed hos."

Corzine, who traveled to North Carolina and Cleveland to watch the women play their way to last week's final, met privately with the team yesterday afternoon on the main Rutgers campus in New Brunswick.

"He's been wanting to meet with the women for the last few days," Corzine spokesman Anthony Coley said. "Obviously, they're feeling pretty discouraged and...