You just don’t disrespect an Indiana basketball legend in the Hoosier State,
especially in his hometown.
A Michiganite visiting the French Lick Springs Resort discovered this first hand
Saturday when he nearly lost his life as enraged local residents stoned him for
criticizing local basketball legend Larry Bird, describing him as “an overrated
player who couldn’t hold Magic Johnson’s jock strap”.
Wayne Ferguson, 37 of Lansing, Michigan is currently listed in fair condition at
Bloomington Hospital at Orange County in Paoli. He suffered a severe concussion
and several bruises, cuts, and abrasions during Saturday evening’s confrontation
at Colonial Bar in French Lick.
According to witnesses, Ferguson began badmouthing Larry Bird after having
several drinks and noticing an autographed picture of the basketball star
hanging over the bar. Regulars at Colonial Bar apparently had enough when
Ferguson made the jock strap comment, and hustled Ferguson out the door. After
Ferguson made an obscene gesture at the bar’s patrons, they began throwing
pieces of gravel at Ferguson, hitting him in the eye. Ferguson fell to the
ground, hitting his head.
Noticing Ferguson was out cold, bystander Jess Stanton called 911. Ferguson was
rushed to Paoli for treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery.
No charges are expected to be filed. Included in the mob that attacked Ferguson
were French Lick’s police chief, three Orange County deputies, and the town
judge.
