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| January 4, 1968
Reprinted from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Title: Unknown Author: Unknown Columbus – Participants in a Municipal Auditorium wrestling match Wednesday night were treated and dismissed at the Medical Center after both were injured in a special match. No charges were filed against the wrestlers, though two men involved in a melee among spectators were arrested on disorderly conduct. Witnesses said Arnold Spurlin of Phenix City, one of the wrestlers and a former Golden Gloves and professional boxer bit off the distal joint of the left ring finger of a wrestler identified at the hospital as George Herman, 33, of Atlanta. Spurlin, 27, of 2002 17th Place in Phenix City, suffered corneal abrasions to his eyes, according to authorities at the Medical Center. It was reported that Spurlin ripped a hood-style mask from the head of a wrestler billed as “Mr. Wrestling” here. Shortly after the incident. Witnesses said Wrestling then floored Spurlin, an act followed by the reported biting incident. It was after this that Spurlin suffered the eye injuries, witnesses said. The men arrested on charges of disorderly conduct were identified by police as Jerry Lee Steward, 24, of 1814 18th St., Phenix City, and Ronald Miller, 21, of 2643 51st St. Both were charged, police said, after they fought with officers and allegedly pulled a knife on a witness to the brawl, Leon Baxter of 2801 Cherry Drive. The wrestlers were treated and dismissed at the Medical Center, and according to police, almost resumed their match at the hospital. Several friends of Spurlin were reported in the waiting room of the emergency room at the time, and were ordered to leave by police. Following the match, several wrestlers milled around the ring and some entered the ring itself. Order was finally restored. |