What could the clerk have said that would have justified his actions? Stopping someone from stealing cigars shouldn't get you a beating.
Hey nig__ I ___ed your whore sister last night?
PS. What beating?
Grabbed and pushed. It did stop short of a beating.
Yeah I see the store clerk rushing to get in the way of the big guy who's leaving. I see the big guy's hand reach out for the clerks shoulder and the clerk backing up / maybe being slightly pushed, the big guy taking one step toward the clerk and flexing, then walking out. I can't tell what's in his hand, I can't tell whether he paid or not as I saw him putting something on the counter. Was that spot not another pay spot that he was standing at?