Quote:Well, their actions did match the definition.

 

What I would do is irrelevant to the definition of the word thug. Why would I attack someone because they were an [BAD WORD REMOVED] to my wife? Do I have no self-control? I like to believe we live in a some-what civilized society. Would I stand up to them and defend her? Sure. If they touched her, I would definitely retaliate. 

 

However, If you believe assaulting another over a game of football isn't cruel or vicious though, then in the name of the Dude, I say "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."

1.  First off, the fights were not "assaults," which are threats that create the reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, they were "battery," which is the offensive touching.

 

2.  You say you wouldn't attack now.  But you are safely detached behind a computer screen at some desk, either in your home or an office.  You aren't there in the heat of the moment, with adrenaline building as fight or flight response kicks in.  Just as you weren't there dressed as a Seahawk or Patriot, in the heat of battle, in the biggest game of people's careers in many instances, with the adrenaline kicking in.  If, in the hypothetical presented, you responded physically, by your standard you would be a "thug."  I think many, under the circumstances, would be a little more understanding of you.

---