I drove to Macon today to cover the boys basketball game at Westside. During the second quarter, a campus policeman asked me if I had a mask. After producing a letter from my healthcare provider which states I have anxiety and can't wear a face covering, he left.
However, when I went into the lobby at halftime to use the restroom, I was accosted by the security outside, inquiring where my mask was. I showed several of the officers the same letter, attempting to explain the situation.
It was pointless. The officers refused to make any exception. One suggested I speak to the athletic director, who wasn't even there. Because they refused to listen to reason (and a legitimate medial document), I had no other choice to but to leave.
Had I not chosen to leave, another officer indicated they were going to eject me anyway. In my years as a reporter with multiple papers, this is the first time anything like this has happened to me.
I'm both angry and hurt. At the utter lack of compassion and lack of professionalism (a female officer sarcastically said "have a good day" as I was leaving.)
As to the game itself, the Royals were down 31-24 at halftime but wound up losing 76-46. TJ Mays and DJ Sanders had nine points. Getting back to the subject at hand, I will not put myself in this position again.
If that means not attending anymore basketball games in Bibb County this season, so be it. While I have and will continue to make sacrifices to keep content on the site, today was not worth the time, money, and emotional duress caused by the actions of those officers.
As always, thanks for your readership and support.
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