Just yesterday, we posted a story about an Atlanta gym owner who has a no cops, no military policy. In response, a local police officer has challenged James "Jim" Cox Chambers to a boxing match. The cop's motive seems like a good one -- in combat sports like MMA, boxing and wrestling, opponents typically gain respect for each other when the contest is done. If Chambers accepts the challenge, he will go in despising law enforcement, but it almost a guarantee he will emerge with a sense of appreciation. -- IFPO.
By Christopher Hopper and Adrianne Haney, WXIA
ATLANTA -- There's been resounding response to the now-viral story of a local gym's "no cops" policy since 11Alive first posted it online, Tuesday.
Many expressed outrage after a sign, with profanity, appeared in the window of the EAV Barbell Club in Atlanta. But there was one response that was unexpected -- a local cop who's challenging the owner of the gym to a boxing match.
In an email sent into 11Alive's newsroom, Tommy Lefever said he'd like to challenge the gym's owner, Jim Chambers, to a match at an upcoming boxing event. So, we reached out to Lefever to talk to him about the offer.
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"He seems like he might enjoy getting the opportunity to punch a cop in the face and I'd be happy to oblige him and give him that opportunity," the Fayetteville, Georgia resident said.
According to the Jim Chambers, who owns EAV Barbell Club, has had the "No Cops" or military personnel policy since it opened. Chambers, a lifelong political activist, told 11Alive he defends the controversial policy. He said groups who work out there are generally minorities who are uncomfortable with the presence of law enforcement agents.
"It was really just that the vulgarity in that sign, and that seems to bring it out for people," he said.
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The story sparked the idea with Lefever, who asked to keep the department he works for anonymous. He told 11Alive's Chris Hopper he understands the challenges police officers face in 2017. But, the seven-year police veteran said he hopes the boxing match will change Chambers' mind.
"I found, you sweat, you bleed with somebody, you exchange punches with somebody in a sport like boxing, it's hard not to respect the guy for getting in there with you afterwards," he said.
Read the rest of the story here.
