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Washington, DC --- The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a resolution introduced yesterday by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) honoring the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team for their record-breaking season and their outstanding achievements off the basketball court. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 416 to 0. A companion resolution was introduced yesterday in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The Senate is expected to vote on the resolution later today.
The House's action today comes two weeks after derogatory comments were made about the student-athletes by radio personality Don Imus. The New Jersey lawmaker said he introduced the legislation to honor the team because he felt that Imus' comments deprived the young women of fully enjoying their accomplishments.
Pallone gave the following statement on the House floor today in support of his resolution.
"Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the sponsor of this Resolution honoring the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women's basketball team and applaud their character and integrity. These remarkable young women are a class act and I am proud to represent them, and Rutgers University, here in Congress.
"Rutgers had a Cinderella season that saw them come back from some devastating early season losses — including a 40-point loss to Duke University. In fact, after losing four of their first six games the Scarlet Knights refused to give up and spent their Winter Break in the gym honing their skills and working to become a better team for the rest the season.
"Under Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer, the Scarlet Knights finished their extraordinary season with a 27-9 record. To cap it off, Rutgers upset top-seeded University of Connecticut for their first-ever Big East Championship title. They had lost to U-Conn twice in the regular season.
"During the NCAA tournament, they upset top seeded Duke University in the second round and remained poised with wins against teams playing in their home states. The team brought excitement to the tournament and captured the hearts of basketball fans throughout New Jersey and across the nation. Through hard work and determination this young team fought through improbable odds to reach their first ever NCAA title game.
"A day after their loss, outrageous comments were made about the team by Don Imus on his CBS Radio and MSNBC show. Afterwards, the team showed great courage in choosing to meet with him so he could see firsthand how wrong his sexist and racist comments were. During this emotionally and mentally exhausting ordeal, these remarkable young women maintained enormous composure as they became media headlines for controversy.
"The Scarlet Knights women basketball players are excellent representatives of Rutgers University and of the state of New Jersey. By striving to reach lifetime goals both on and off the basketball court, they are great role models for student-athletes across the nation. Even with a grueling sports schedule, the players have managed their priorities well. They have maintained academic excellence with a combined B-plus grade point average and are actively involved in the community.
"Mr. Speaker, these women are the future leaders of tomorrow. Last week, when faced with adversity, they proved their promise when they stood in front of the entire nation with dignity and grace.
"I think I can speak for Rutgers students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with countless New Jerseyans, when I say -- we are immensely proud of this team. They deserve to be honored for their hard work, dedication and heart.
"I am hopeful that my colleagues will recognize these fine women by passing this resolution. Thank you."
The text of Pallone's resolution recognizing the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team follows.
Whereas under head coach C. Vivian Stringer the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women’s
basketball team finished their extraordinary 2006-2007 season with a 27-9 record;
Whereas after losing four of their first six games the Lady Knights refused to give up and spent
their Winter Break in the gym honing their skills and working to become a better team for the rest the season;6300 C:\TEMP\PALLON~1.XML HOLCPC
Whereas on March 6, 2007, Rutgers upset top-seeded University of Connecticut for their first-
ever Big East Championship title;
Whereas the young women displayed great talent in their run to the Final Four of the women’s
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament;
Whereas five freshmen played an integral role in the team’s march to the championship game;
Whereas the Lady Knights showed enormous composure with tournament wins against teams
playing in their home States;
Whereas through hard work and determination this young team fought through improbable
odds to reach the NCAA title game;
Whereas the team was just the 3rd number 4 seed in history to reach the championship;
Whereas the Lady Knights made school history as the first athletic team from Rutgers to play
for any national championship;
Whereas during those 3 weeks, the Scarlet Knights brought excitement to the NCAA
tournament and captured the hearts of basketball fans throughout New Jersey and
across the Nation;
Whereas Rutgers students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with countless New Jerseyans are
immensely proud of what the team accomplished this past season;
Whereas the members of the team are excellent representatives of Rutgers University and of
the State of New Jersey;
Whereas these young women are outstanding individuals who are striving to reach lifetime
goals both on and off the basketball court;
Whereas the Lady Knights epitomize the term student-athlete with a combined B+ grade point
average;
Whereas by excelling in academics, music, and community service, Katie Adams, Matee
Ajavon, Essence Carson, Dee Dee Jernigan, Rashidat Junaid, Myia McCurdy,
Epiphanny Prince, Judith Brittany Ray, Kia Vaughn, and Heather Zurich are great role
models for young women across the Nation; and
Whereas the Lady Knights embody integrity, leadership and class:
Now therefore be it Resolved That the House of Representatives
(1) Commends the amazing performance of Rutgers University women’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament; and
(2) Expresses its admiration for the achievements and character of this team of remarkable young women.
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