Chapter 9 - Melissa’s Takedown Became a Separate Problem
Grant had moved Melissa away from Evan.
That part was necessary.
Then she turned and struggled.
He used one forceful takedown.
She hit the floor.
Was that necessary?
Security footage was reviewed carefully.
Melissa had been moving toward Evan while yelling.
Grant grabbed her upper arm.
She tried to pull free.
Then turned toward Grant.
He forced her backward.
She fell.
No second attack.
No kick.
No punch.
Still, club safety advisers concluded Grant had used more force than necessary after he had already positioned himself between Melissa and the child.
He could have:
released and blocked,
called security,
moved Evan away.
Instead he converted anger into physical control.
Grant hated hearing:
that.
“I was protecting my son.”
“Yes,” the adviser answered.
“Your protective purpose does not make every technique necessary.”
Grant later apologized to Melissa through counsel.
“I should have separated you from Evan without throwing you down.”
Melissa answered:
“You assaulted me.”
Grant said:
“I used unnecessary force. I’m not arguing with that.”
Specific.
Then Evan.
Grant talked to him too.
“Did I scare you?”
“A little.”
“Because I threw Melissa?”
Evan nodded.
Grant said:
“I should’ve kept you safe without doing that.”
“But she was yelling at me.”
“Yes.”
“She called me a liar.”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you sorry?”
“Because somebody else being wrong doesn’t make every thing I do afterward right.”
Evan thought.
Then:
“Grown-ups are complicated.”
Grant almost laughed.
“Unfortunately.”
The family had spent too many years teaching children that the strongest adult in the room defined justice.
Grant did not want Evan learning:
May you like
that.
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