Bobby Ferguson’s lawyer suggested prominent businessman Tony Soave is too tough and rich to be strong-armed and shaken down by Kwame Kilpatrick and pal Bobby Ferguson.
“Not being a pushover is a key in the contracting business, wouldn’t you agree?” lawyer Michael Rataj asked.
“It’s a rough and tough business,” said the Grosse Pointe Farms businessman, who prosecutors allege was extorted by Kilpatrick.
“And you’ve got to be rough and tough and you’re a tough guy, aren’t you,” Rataj said.
“No,” Soave said, “I’m a lovable guy.”
Kilpatrick and other lawyers in the courtroom exploded in laughter at the joke, which came from a mogul who sold his garbage-hauling company for $750 million, and who has had contacts with known mob associates.
“You’re a tough businessman,” Soave said.
“I try to be tough and fair,” Soave said.
