Imus: "I meant that he was being picked on because he's black"

How predictable was this spin? Predictable enough for one of Ace’s commenters to have called it four hours before it hit the wires.

During an on-air conversation Monday about the arrests of suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones, Imus asked, “What color is he?”

Told by sports announcer Warner Wolf that Jones, who used to be nicknamed Pacman, is “African-American,” Imus responded: “There you go. Now we know.”

In the face of criticism that ensued, Imus said Monday that he had been misunderstood.

“I meant that he was being picked on because he’s black,” Imus said in a statement released by his spokesman.

His boss says he’ll clarify on the air tomorrow morning but Reverend Al, wielding his Absolute Moral Authority like a mighty hammer, said earlier that he’ll be looking into whether “direct action” was required. Just cut him a check already, Imus. Exit question: Anyone believe this is what he meant by “Now we know,” especially in the context of the nightclub exchange that preceded it? Why, after everything that’s happened, is this tool even broaching the subject of race again?