You hire a guy who has a history of making racist, sexist and inflammatory statements on the air - a guy who has a history of being an unapologetic, abrasive jerk, then when he says something offensive on the air you have the nerve to act ashamed and even more unbelievable, surprised?

As if.

You knew Don Imus was a shitwit when you employed him. As with most of those who have gained some form of notoriety (infamy?) as 'shock jocks', it is his stock and trade to be a loudmouth jerk. He doesn't have to be funny, kind or accurate, he just has to be...well, his own jackass self. Look at Howard Stern. Does anyone really believe this guy has gained such longevity and popularity because he's funny? No. I reiterate; HELL NO. He isn't even remotely funny, nor even slightly talented. Shocking and offensive is what he is, and because shit sells he's famous in the same way as Don Imus. Imus isn't anywhere near as brilliant as Stern in the area of shameless self promotion, but they do float about in approximately the same cesspool.

Bottom line, if you hire someone you know is a sexist, racist asshole, based upon his qualifications as a sexist, racist asshole, then you have forfeited your right to even feign moderate surprise when (not if - WHEN) he lives up to his reputation by saying something offensive. All you can do is a little damage control and hope for the best. Fire him or stand by him but don't insult the collective intelligence of all persons within earshot by behaving as if you're shocked, disgusted and chagrined by something he said.

That is all.