Juan Williams’ defense of “Muslim killed us on 9/11” is outright bigotry

Did NPR hastily fire Juan Williams over his remarks on Fox News about getting “worried” and “nervous” when he sees people in "Muslim garb" on airplanes, as many of his defenders have argued?

Williams asserted in a statement he published today on Fox News website that he was not a bigot and denied that his statement is bigoted.
 Listening to his overall exchange with Bill O’Reilly one can agree with his assertion but not his denial. Williams disagreed at least on one occasion with O’Reilly’s assertion that not only the 9/11 terrorists but all Muslims should be held accountable for 9/11 attacks. The statement he made in reference to his fear of flying with Muslims is profoundly bigoted. In the end, his remarks only served to reinforce anti-Muslim bigotry.