The Detroit News William “Caveman” Lee at the Kronk Gym in 1986. He went to prison three times for bank robberies, the latest was last July for a 7- to 15-year sentence.

Part 5 -- Can’t blame Detroit

    Benny Ray Trusel, one of the very first Kronk team members, along with his brother Rodney, said the real issue is personal accountability.

    “No, you can’t blame Detroit,” he said “You can only blame it on the individuals — they had a choice and they made it, just like I did.”

    Trusel, 41, a construction worker, said he has been shot and stabbed — “It’s just street life” — and is still trying to figure out why he stopped boxing after an 11-0 pro start.

    His brother, Rodney Trusel, 38, is an equipment service supervisor for Northwest Airlines in Dallas. He stopped boxing at 23, after a 20-2 start as a Kronk pro.

    “I opted for the family life,” he said, “At that time I went with the guarantee — a paycheck every two weeks.”

You can reach Fred Girard at (313) 222-2165 or girard@home.com.