Andrew Wiederhorn intends to sue the Multnomah Athletic Club, reports the Oregonian today. His reason? After Mr. Wiederhorn was convicted of a federal felony (two, actually), the MAC expelled him and prohibited him from darkening its doors, dining halls, and driveways. The club rules state that the club may expel members who are convicted of major crimes Mr. Wiederhorn says that the MAC didn’t expel other members who had picked up federal convictions (including one of his business partners), and therefore the MAC acted unfairly when it expelled him. Those felons (says Mr. Wiederhorn) are still members; why not him also? (Mrs. Wiederhorn and their children are still members; Mr. Wiederhorn’s the only one of his family who’s been banned from the premises.)
I have to admit that I’d like to see Mr. Wiederhorn sue to force the MAC to readmit him, but not because I think he should be readmitted. It’s because I can imagine unions across America, particularly those whose pension funds lent money to Mr. Wiederhorn’s company, chipping in to help pay the MAC’s legal fees to defend the case. Come to think of it, I’d be willing to send them some money also, if the MAC promised not to settle before trial.