STORRS — A food service worker involved in a confrontation with a drunken University of Connecticut student who was demanding jalapeno-bacon macaroni and cheese is offering forgiveness.
“Everyone has done something stupid in their life,” he writes. “There are no exceptions to the rule. Some mistakes are obviously bigger than others. Some, like this one, seem bigger because of the social media that exists today.”
The Daily Campus student newspaper on Thursday published a letter from Union Street Market chef Bill McKay.
“Let me be perfectly clear as to where I stand. I forgive Luke Gatti,” said McKay.
McKay writes that he accepts Luke Gatti’s apology but still believes the 19-year-old should be expelled and suggests he join the military.
“He’s not the only drunk out there. He’s not the only drunk in the Student Union. He’s not the only one exhibiting bad behavior. But he is the one who got caught on camera.”
McKay is shown on video tackling Gatti after the freshman from Bayville, New York, berated and shoved a manager inside the student union Oct. 4.
The chef says it’s time for the public to stop beating up on Gatti, who is due in court Nov. 3 on charges of breach of peace and criminal trespass.
Gatti has said he’s ashamed of his behavior.
