It Was Twenty Years Ago Today, Part XXVI

I was getting ready to move into the house in South Minneapolis with the three women I'd known in college (and one of their sisters).

But first, there was the matter of getting out of the place I was in.

I'd agreed to let my roommate pay for a "Roommates" ad in the Strib out of my damage deposit. A stream of potential roommates came by. I only remember one.

At about this time, the U of Minnesota men's basketball program was in a bit of turmoil; one of their star players, Mitch Lee, who'd been accused of sexual misconduct, and then rape, in separate incidents that would eventually bring down coach Jim Dutcher. Lee happened to be black.

One of the potential roommates - an African American guy who worked in the athletic department at the U - came by. He looked around the place - well-situated for him, but a little small - as I packed up stuff to get ready for my move.

My roommate introduced me: "This is my current roommate, Mitch Lee..."

He stopped and caught himself, and started to stammer. Potential Roommate's eyes got a little wide, and he looked at Roommate.

"Yeah", I responded. "I get more flak about that these days".

I doubt I have that kind of timing anymore.