Because You Just Never Know

A story of interest, probably mostly to martial artists, but with implications for anybody else who might think a fist fight is innocuous ...


Apparently there was an altercation in Las Vegas yesterday, and the gist of it seems to be this: A black guy (Hawkins, of Florida), and a white guy (Massie, of Utah) were in a bathroom at O'shea's Casino, and one assumes, doing their business. 


But apparently not altogether minding their own business.


Massie apparently said something to Hawkins to the effect of, oh, look a black guy in a yellow shirt! (Two things: First, I expect that "black guy" was another word; second, I can't imagine being so stupid as to offer a derogatory racial comment to a stranger in a public bathroom, but, that's what the report was. I dunno the source.)


Hawkins apparently responded with something on the lines of  "Hey, shut the fuck up!"


Hawkins followed Massie out. Massie went to stand in front of a B.K. in the casino. Hawkins approached. More words were exchanged. Hawkins started to walk away, then turned abruptly and threw a punch that hit Massie in the face.


One punch. 


Massie fell down.


And died.


So, while it is rare, the old one-punch-one-kill does now and then happen.


I suspect that Hawkins, a football coach back in Florida, didn't think that amount of force would result in homicide. But as a result of that punch, and being the first to throw one, he's been arrested and booked on a count of Open Murder. Supposedly all on the casino's security video, and I'll be interested to see if that hits the net.


Not a good way to spend your vacation, and any way you look at it, Hawkins's ride is going to be bumpy until the investigation and/or trial is over.


Next time you think that decking the asshole giving you shit is the best option, think again.


Or that popping off to a stranger in a public restroom is much better of an idea ...