Rutgers' women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer announced Friday that the team has accepted the apology of fired radio host Don Imus.

"We, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knight basketball team, accept -- accept -- Mr. Imus' apology, and we are in the process of forgiving," Stringer said. "We still find his statements to be unacceptable, and this is an experience that we will never forget."

She said that the team did not ask for him to be fired from his job by CBS Radio and MSNBC, which simulcasts his radio show.

"It saddens me for anyone to lose their job," she said. "At no time did the Rutgers womens' team call for his job."

Imus apologized to the team Thursday night in a face-to-face meeting.

Stringer, who spoke after the team was honored by the school's Board of Governors for reaching the first Final Four in the school's history, said that she hopes some good can come out the whole situation.

"This is indicitive of a great ill, not just Mr. Imus," Stringer said. "We have to put children and morality above all of us.

"It's time for we as Americans to hold ourselves to a higher standard," Stringer said.

With Imus now off the radio because of a racist and sexist remark, his wife has stepped in Friday to finish out an on-air fundraiser.

Deirdre Imus discussed her husband's meeting Thursday with the Rutgers women's basketball team. She said he had the opportunity to listen to why the women are hurting and "how awful this is." She said the basketball players are "unbelievably courageous and beautiful women."

Stringer said Thursday night that the meeting Imus was "productive."

A week ago, Imus insulted members of Stringer's team on his morning radio program, touching off a firestorm that led to his being dropped by CBS and MSNBC.

Stringer also said she was proud of her 10 players, and that she hoped everyone could put Imus' slurs behind them.

Imus left the meeting without commenting to reporters.

The firing has been criticized by fellow New York radio show host Mike Francesa, whose sports show with partner Chris Russo is considered a likely successor to Imus in the morning time slot. Francesa said he's "embarrassed" by the company's decision, saying it shows a "lack of taste."