巴爾的摩, MD (四月 28, 2015) – 當暴亂者在巴爾的摩街頭撕毀時, MD, 拳擊發起人和健身房老闆傑克“蛇”史密斯仍然非常關心他的朋友, 家庭和社區. 像許多其他當地人一樣, 史密斯不僅把巴爾的摩地區稱為他的家，而且是他謀生的地方.

在巴爾的摩及其周邊度過了他的一生, 史密斯的兩個孩子就讀於附近的學校，他的巴爾的摩拳擊館位於 S. 百老匯. 為了參加者的安全, Smith closed his gym yesterday and is keeping the doors shut today as well. Due the violent protests of Freddie Gray’s death, Smith isn’t positive when he will be able to continue training his boxers, many of whom use the Baltimore Boxing Gym as a resource to escape the preexisting dangers of the streets.

“In my forty-plus years in Baltimore, this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen,“史密斯說, whose promotional efforts have helped many local organizations through raffles and donations. “We are all aware that there are issues with police brutality throughout the country and while I am extremely disappointed with the lack of prosecution following specific incidents, rioting only makes everything worse. I truly understand that emotions are at all-time highs in Baltimore and people want their voices to be heard but this is not the way to do it. Having worked with people from all walks of life, I wholeheartedly respect everybody’s point of view but I am pleading with the community as a whole to schedule peaceful and civilized meetings with city officials. This is the only way for everybody to get their thoughts and opinions out while hearing what the other side has to say. Riots are only going to tear apart and create further distance between police and citizens in this great city. I pray that everything calms down quickly and a resolution is met.”