But for Dave Pelker, owner of Weasel’s on the Westside of Indianapolis, the prospect of another NBA season provokes quite a different response.
“We now live in constant fear for our lives,” said Pelker, 47, who has operated Weasel’s Gentlemen’s Club for 14 terrifying basketball seasons. “When it was announced the season was going to go ahead and happen, it was like a cloud of doom fell down on top of the club. Some of our best dancers broke down in tears right then and there, which screwed up their make-up a lot.”
Since 2006, Pelker’s venue has been plagued with numerous incidents of criminal activity ranging from disorderly conduct to assault to manslaughter, many of which have involved NBA players and, in particular, members of the Indiana Pacers.
“If you had asked me ten years ago what could tarnish the reputation of an establishment like Weasel’s, I never would have guessed it would be the NBA,” said Pelker.
“Sure, we all have to deal with allegations of prostitution and drug dealing, but that’s just the price of doing business,” he added. “The problem is, on any game-night there’s shootings, stabbings, and beatdowns. I’m no basketball fan, obviously, but I think that’s called a triple-double.”
Despite the feeling of dread as the season approaches, however, Pelker is impressed at how the artistic spirit lives on.
“Some of the girls have incorporated bullet-proof vests and catcher’s masks into their acts, and I admire that kind of resourcefulness. It’s both brave and sexy.”
“It’s not just the girls either,” continued Pelker. “DJ Frank Da Stank is incorporating more up-tempo stuff into the sets, so the girls move faster. After all, a moving target is harder to hit.”
Image credit: Flickr. Thomas Hawk. Creative commons.