From the Y to the Library

Two tough-talking gym go-ers from the Lansing YMCA started an altercation with yours truly and threatened to strike me with gym equipment and free weights. The altercation started over the fact they initially said I could work in, despite getting vulgar and changing their mind only moments later. In the end all three of us were asked to leave the gym for the night.

Preferring to walk a bit more comfortably I let them go first. Only about 15ft separated us at most. I noticed they walked slower so I continued at my pace. Eventually we were walking side-by-side and smack-talk ensued; guy stuff, w/e, no big deal. Then all of a sudden the short one started talking about how 'known he was back in his hood' and how right before coming to Cooley, he had shot a man. Then all of a sudden his tall friend walking on my right had acquired a 2X6 piece of plywood and began threatening to strike me with it.

I walked a bit more and then said I was going to get some food...wanted to see if they'd follow - they didn't. What they did do, was rest the club against the wall of the library -- making it a school matter. I reported them to Cooley Security and then the pleas began...about how small they were, how scared they were, how the stick was "self-defense," the tall one began threatening to sue me for a frivolous suit if he was arrested....naturally he didn't want to admit what I think everyone in the room knew...if he got arrested for assault he'd get kicked out of Cooley and no State Bar in the nation would admit him.

Cooley Security remain in possession of the weapon and I'm hoping that people realize one thing .... even in law school....you run into dangerous people. God help us all.

p.s.
As a rule of thumb...I'm always much more apprehensive of people scared of me, than people tougher than me. When people are scared they get desperate...guns, sticks, knives. I can take guys talk, but when the stakes get higher than mere words or fists, I think a reasonable person at that point needs to draw a line and if its crossed...that's when law enforcement should get involved.