SPORTS AND TAKE DOWNS Often used for boxing matches where inmates squared off inside a ring to the cheers (and jeers) of peers betting on the bout, the gymnasium also housed dozens of inmates when cellblocks of the typically overcrowded compound were filled to capacity. For most of its existence, the gym segregated black and white inmates, each designated to specific areas for exercise such as weightlifting and basketball games. However, one of the gym's most infamous incidents had nothing to do with recreation. It was rumored that some inmates were hatching a plot to overtake the gym. At the time, plywood covered the once-secure but recently-broken door in the rear of the room. Suddenly the makeshift enclosure flew open, sending the plywood board sliding across the floor. Armed men swarmed in, yelling "everybody against the wall!" Prisoners quickly lined up. A few confused guards stationed inside the gym joined the line too, until realizing the men with guns were fellow guards rushing in to apprehend the convicts suspected in the takeover scheme.