The I-Man is back.
Shock Jock Don Imus returned to the airwaves today, eight months after making controversial remarks that nearly ended his career.
"Dick Chaney is still a war criminal, Hillary Clinton is still Satan, and I'm back on the radio," said Imus, just before beginning his new morning progam on WABC-FM in New York.
Imus was forced off the radio over racist and sexist remarks he made about the Rutgers women's basketball team. In April, he called the players "nappy-headed hos."
Imus celebrated his return with a four-hour spectacle at New York City's Town Hall, where people paid $100 a ticket to watch his return. Proceeds went to Imus' charity.
Others watched on a few dozen Citadel radio stations - none in Philadelphia - and a small cable TV network, RFD-TV.
"I will never say anything in my lifetime that will make these young women at Rutgers regret or feel foolish that they accepted my apology and forgave me," Imus said.
Imus introduced a long list of cast members on his new morning program, including two African-American comedians. Scheduled for day one: Senators and presidential candidates John McCain and Chris Dodd.
The "I-Man" told the audience that his program would not change.
But regarding his new apporach, he added:
"We're getting someone who is not a moron anymore."
Contact Gene D'Alessandro at 215-854-2443 or gdalessandro@phillynews.com.