If you were in Denver in the late 80s, you knew who Bernie Kosar was.
Bernie had the misfortune of being an excellent quarterback, an ascending star in the football pantheon at the same time as an even brighter star eclipsed all others: John Elway.
When Elway engineered his “drive,” Kosar was the opposing quarterback—the signal-caller for the Cleveland Browns.
Bernie and Schottenheimer would come to town and invariably be ahead in the fourth quarter, before Elway, hitherto unable to do much offensively, would snatch another victory from the jaws of defeat.
Before the outcome was even final, fans would take up the chant. “Bern-EE, Bern-EE, Bern-EE!” And the screaming would follow Bernie when he sloughed off the field and slink beneath the South stands in old Mile High Stadium.
This memory came back to me as I watched television and read print and online versions of the recent sentencing of Bernard Lawrence Madoff, 71, “Bernie,” to federal prison for 150 years. No parole in federal prison. He’ll die there. From the penthouse to the outhouse said one wag.
And, although perhaps it’s a bit gruesome — like cheering at a public execution — a lot of people are jeering, “Bern-EE, Bern-EE, Bern-EE.” Understandably, public opinion not only thinks he got what he deserves, but that when this life is over, if there is any further accounting, Bern-EE’s got some ‘splaining to do to his Maker.
But—while Madoff may spend the rest of his life in prison—these years could be the best years of his life. Perhaps there’s a way for him to use his considerable influence and skills to make some reparations. There’s always a path to redemption.
I am reminded of the New Testament Bernie Madoff: A short little guy, Zacchaeus.
When this felon had his “Come-to-Jesus” meeting, he had a change of heart, returned the principal he had stolen from his clients, and paid them back—on top of that—fourfold.
The public at the time didn’t think too much of Jesus socializing with “Bernie” Zacchaeus. But in the end, Zacchaeus made good. He was a changed man.
The same can happen with Madoff. It will take years for an unforgiving public to believe that the change is real and not self-serving, but these years in prison could be the redemption of Bernie Madoff.
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