Taking a stand

“I’m not serving you.”

That’s the quote of the day from Jeff Ruby of Ruby’s Steakhouse in Louisville, Kentucky. He said it to O.J. Simpson:

Ruby — who owns restaurants in Cincinnati, Louisville and Belterra, Indiana — said Simpson, who was in town for the [Kentucky] Derby on Saturday, came in with a group of about 12 Friday night and was seated at a table in the back. A customer came up to Ruby and was “giddy” about seeing Simpson, Ruby said.

“I didn’t want that experience in my restaurant,” Ruby said, later adding that seeing Simpson get so much attention “makes me sick to my stomach.”

He said he went to Simpson’s table and said, “I’m not serving you.” Ruby said when Simpson didn’t respond, he repeated himself and left the room.

Ruby said Simpson soon came up to him and said he understood and would gather the rest of his party to leave.

Simpson’s lawyer, Yale Galanter, did not immediately return phone calls Tuesday night seeking comment.

“It was the first time since 1994 he has ever shown any class,” Ruby said. “He showed it that night in the restaurant” by leaving quietly.

Shun him. Shame him. Never forget.

Good for Mr. Ruby. Here’s his bio. Send him a note here.

John Gibson interviewed Ruby earlier today. Audio here.