by Brian Conley
A couple of weeks ago I was arrested and charged with public intoxication and criminal misrepresentation. Although those charges against me have been dismissed, I feel that I owe our readers an apology as well as an explanation.
My arrest was spawned by my over-celebration of the Grand Re-Opening of Market Square on Tuesday, Nov. 25. On that day, I and all the employees of both Metro Pulse and Cardinal (my construction company) had the afternoon off to enjoy the festivities.
The reopening of Market Square was the culmination of two-and-a-half years of work on the part of the City of Knoxville, KCDC, Kinsey-Probasco, Cardinal, and countless others, and it was truly a cause for celebration. Unfortunately, during the course of celebrating, I had way too much to drink.
That night, I was to meet my wife for dinner at a restaurant on Cumberland Avenue. As I was leaving Market Square, realizing I should not drive, I decided to walk from downtown to Fort Sanders and gave my car keys to a friend. Unfortunately, instead of the walk helping to sober me, I began to feel worse. Ultimately, I boarded a trolley, hoping that it would take me to my destination.
After that, I am unclear on how events unfolded. The citation stated that I was asleep on the trolley and, when awakened by a police officer, gave a false name. It was also reported that I did not know my address. While I am not denying that this happened, I do not have any recollection of being awakened on the trolley or of giving a false name. With regard to my address, my family and I had just moved and it is entirely plausible that I could not remember it.
Since the arrest and dismissal were reported in the News Sentinel, family members, friends and acquaintances alike have expressed their distaste for the daily paper's reporting of what they saw as a "victimless crime." While I truly appreciate their support, I must confess that my crime was not entirely victimless. My wife, my parents and my friends were all victimized by my actions that evening.
When I did not show up at the restaurant, my wife was understandably worried. After an hour or so, she began to call the friends I had been with earlier. When that proved fruitless, she then came downtown to look for me. With all other avenues exhausted, she finally called my parents.
My wife and I had agreed to meet at 6:30, and it was not until 10:30 that she and my parents found out that I had been arrested. For four hours, they had been worried sick. And that is entirely my fault.
The point of this column is to tell my family, my friends and our readers that I'm truly sorry. I had too much to drink, worried my family and embarrassed myself. There is no one to blame for that but me.
Also, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all who have voiced their support for me in spite of myself. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
A Class Act
Last week I was having lunch with KUB Board member, Sharon Miller, and I inquired about the health of our mutual friend, KUB Chairman Larry Fleming. Sharon told me that Larry's health was not good, but that his attitude was great. "He still believes he's going to beat it," she said. "He was telling me about a new treatment just the other day."
Sadly, two days later, the news came. Larry had succumbed to the cancer he had battled so courageously.
While he was a consummate professional, I'll always remember Larry for his kind nature and ever-present sense of humor. Larry had a great spirit. To me, he was the definition of a gentleman and I, along with countless others, will miss him.
December 11, 2003 * Vol. 13, No. 50
© 2003 Metro Pulse
| 
