Ruby Denies O.J., Prepare for the Backlash

It looks like Louisville is in the national eye and this time, not just because of Derby. Angie Fenton first wrote about how local restaurant owner, Jack Ruby, denied service to O.J. Simpson and his entourage last Friday.

Ruby took issue, not with the alleged crimes of the ex-football great, but with his attempt to profit from it.

Repeated winner of the Most Predictable Comments Award, Rev. Louis Coleman, said “We’re challenging Mr. Ruby on this, because if he gets away with this, he can tell … any group he doesn’t want you in there.” He also found time to lead a protest in front of Jack Ruby’s Steakhouse yesterday. (Where does he find time to minister?)

So now it looks like Simpson will sue Mr. Ruby claiming race discrimination. Which is patently absurd considering Ruby served Simpson before the book idea, Ruby served Michael Jordan mere minutes after Simpson was asked to leave, and Ruby serves hundreds of African-American patrons every month.

I don’t know about you, but I applaud Mr. Ruby’s stand for what he believes in. As the owner of the business, I think that should be his right. If he puts off the wrong crowd, capitalism has a way of making things right.

I only wish I could afford to eat at Mr. Ruby’s fine establishment. I hear it’s fabulous. (Be honest, you thought I was going to end with something else, right?)

[This article was originally published on More Than Derby.]