Apparently, there is such a thing as a free lunch

[Batman]

I went out to lunch today, to a barbecue joint owned by a local coach's family. A few minutes after my food came, the waitress comes over and says another customer asked for my ticket and paid for my meal. I have no idea who did this, and neither did the waitress. Said she's never seen them in there before. The coach who owns the place has thrown a few freebies my way before, but I know it wasn't him this time.
So, obviously, this person knows who I am. A lot of parents, boosters, etc. of the coach's school eat lunch at this place. And I'm appreciative for the gesture. For some reason, though, I can't help but wonder if this was some sort of ethical violation. Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty because I didn't get a chance to thank them. I don't know. Maybe I'm just uneasy. Why do I feel this way?

 

[Armchair_QB]

Maybe I'm just uneasy. Why do I feel this way?

Because you're being stalked.

 

[Dickens Cider]

Sorry you feel that way. You looked hungry and I was just trying to be nice.

 

[TheMethod]

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Ace]

I went out to lunch today, to a barbecue joint owned by a local coach's family. A few minutes after my food came, the waitress comes over and says another customer asked for my ticket and paid for my meal. I have no idea who did this, and neither did the waitress. Said she's never seen them in there before. The coach who owns the place has thrown a few freebies my way before, but I know it wasn't him this time.
So, obviously, this person knows who I am. A lot of parents, boosters, etc. of the coach's school eat lunch at this place. And I'm appreciative for the gesture. For some reason, though, I can't help but wonder if this was some sort of ethical violation. Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty because I didn't get a chance to thank them. I don't know. Maybe I'm just uneasy. Why do I feel this way?

Your hopes of getting an NCAA scholarship are dead now, Batboy.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

Sorry you feel that way. You looked hungry and I was just trying to be nice.

I hope you remembered to tip well.

 

[Batman]

Sorry you feel that way. You looked hungry and I was just trying to be nice.

I hope you remembered to tip well.

That I did. Left a $5 bill (the check would have been around $11).

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

Sorry you feel that way. You looked hungry and I was just trying to be nice.

I hope you remembered to tip well.

That I did. Left a $5 bill (the check would have been around $11).

I was referring to DC. He got the check, he can get the tip too.

 

[Dickens Cider]

That's not fair.

 

[imjustagirl]

So, just to clarify: The coach buys you meals all the time, but that's not of an ethical concern to you? But the boosters would be?

I'm not judging. Don't care either way. Just trying to make sure I'm reading it right.

 

[deskslave]

I went out to lunch today, to a barbecue joint owned by a local coach's family. A few minutes after my food came, the waitress comes over and says another customer asked for my ticket and paid for my meal. I have no idea who did this, and neither did the waitress. Said she's never seen them in there before. The coach who owns the place has thrown a few freebies my way before, but I know it wasn't him this time.
So, obviously, this person knows who I am. A lot of parents, boosters, etc. of the coach's school eat lunch at this place. And I'm appreciative for the gesture. For some reason, though, I can't help but wonder if this was some sort of ethical violation. Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty because I didn't get a chance to thank them. I don't know. Maybe I'm just uneasy. Why do I feel this way?

I don't think it's an ethical violation, because it's not something you did on purpose. But if you feel bad about it, then pass the favor on. Pick up someone else's check next time you go out to eat.

 

[Ace]

I went out to lunch today, to a barbecue joint owned by a local coach's family. A few minutes after my food came, the waitress comes over and says another customer asked for my ticket and paid for my meal. I have no idea who did this, and neither did the waitress. Said she's never seen them in there before. The coach who owns the place has thrown a few freebies my way before, but I know it wasn't him this time.
So, obviously, this person knows who I am. A lot of parents, boosters, etc. of the coach's school eat lunch at this place. And I'm appreciative for the gesture. For some reason, though, I can't help but wonder if this was some sort of ethical violation. Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty because I didn't get a chance to thank them. I don't know. Maybe I'm just uneasy. Why do I feel this way?

I don't think it's an ethical violation, because it's not something you did on purpose. But if you feel bad about it, then pass the favor on. Pick up someone else's check next time you go out to eat.

It just so happens I'll be hanging out (not loitering) by the Plain Dealer tomorrow, by chance. You can swing by with some caviar or a hot dog or something.

 

[txsportsscribe]

you should have immediately gone to the restroom and stuck a finger down your throat to get rid of the evidence.

 

[Batman]

So, just to clarify: The coach buys you meals all the time, but that's not of an ethical concern to you? But the boosters would be?

I'm not judging. Don't care either way. Just trying to make sure I'm reading it right.

The coach doesn't buy them all the time. Last freebie I can remember might have been sometime last year. And I'm not overly concerned about the boosters in this case. It's not like I could have done anything about it. The check was paid and they were out the door before I knew what was going on.
I guess I'm just weirded out by not knowing who it was. Although, given the number of nasty e-mails we all get, I suppose it's nice to know someone appreciates your work.

 

[slappy4428]

It just so happens I'll be panhandling by the Plain Dealer tomorrow, by chance. You can swing by with some caviar or a hot dog or something.

 

[Stitch]

My sources don't try to pay me off all the time. The $50 and $100 bills come every month.