Oct 11, 2017 2 min read

Like a lot of other people, I was not aware of the fact that the word “thug” had racial overtones.

I went to my trusty Webster’s Dictionary and read the following definition: “A brutal ruffian and or assassin; gangster, killer.”

I also went online to the site thesaurus.com, and found a number of synonyms for “thug” that would be appropriately descriptive as well. None conveyed the fact that they referred to black people. Nevertheless, Ringgold Lil Rams Wrestling Coach Doug Conroy got in trouble after using the word “thugs” to describe two black football players accused of assaulting another player after a Sept. 13 practice.

Ringgold is discrediting and punishing a man who gives his time to help dozens of aspiring young athletes. The kids are being punished as well, for now their wrestling program has seriously been sidetracked. Ringgold should tell the coach that he should use the term “ruffian” next time and let this one go.

It is Ringgold that is making this a racial issue. They should find something better to do with their time, like education or something like that.

Sally Brown-Pawlosky

Hickory