Her lawyer went on to speak about that second chance as if he fully expected to receive it. Perhaps because reigning Miss USA Tara Conner had just two days earlier received one from Donald Trump, who alongside NBC owns the historical organization, after her own unscrupulous behavior had been caught on film. And perhaps Rees' lawyer expected it because his client represents Nevada, a state with a reputation for forgetting one's mistakes, and a destination for any number of strange pilgrims seeking a second chance.
[2nd Chances] |
Super Second Chance Director Richard Donner was none too happy with the studio mangling of his beloved Superman II. Now, in the just-released Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, fans get more Phantom Zone segments, more is-Clark-Superman-or-isn’t-he banter, more Marlon Brando, and best of all, none of that Super Kiss nonsense. If only Supes could have turned back time so the original Richard Lester version never appeared in theaters at all ... Julie Seabaugh Second Laughs If you missed him when he was here in late November, you’ve got a second chance to catch top college comic and Sports Illustrated columnist Steve Hoffstetter when he headlines the Carnival Comedy Challenge. The show doubles as a benefit for the troops, so you’ve also got a second chance to show some generous spirit. CARNIVAL COMEDY CHALLENGE Where: The Mirage. When: January 4, 6:30 p.m. Price: Free (donations accepted). Info: 770-380-6278. Julie Seabaugh |
A second chance the way Las Vegas gave Elvis Presley, after his career had begun descending into B-rated movies and lackluster albums, a second chance in 1969, offering "The King" a stage to win back the adoration of the masses. Or like Jerry Tarkanian, the head basketball coach at UNLV during the Runnin' Rebels' glory years, who would receive the university president's grace time and time again after the NCAA charged his program with various infractions. Or, in more recent times, like Kathy Augustine, the former State Controller who was impeached by the state assembly and censured by the senate in 2004, but who was permitted to return to office days after her precedential reprimand. In November of last year, the Nevada Supreme Court determined that a previous ruling that puts limits on the criteria the state can employ in capital punishment cases is retroactive, thus giving more than 40 eligible inmates condemned to death row a potential second chance at life. And just last month it was reported that disgraced pop legend Michael Jackson has moved to Las Vegas, where a deal is in the works to give "The King of Pop" a venue through which he might revitalize his career.
That, one would expect, was the kind of second chance Rees and her lawyer were hoping for, maybe even anticipating, when they spoke at the Florida press conference.
"I have no intention of further disgracing the state of Nevada," Rees said. "I would like to thank my family, my true friends, and God, who have already forgiven me and would hope the public would find it in their hearts to do the same."
The Miss Universe Organization didn't. Not "in light of the serious nature of the circumstances," said Shugart, eight days after Rees' request for reinstatement. The decision stands.
Assuming Rees' place in the upcoming Miss USA contest will be Helen Salas, a very gracious young woman whose professed dreams of succeeding Tara Conner as the next Miss USA had come to an end last October 8th, when she fell runner-up to Rees in the Nevada pageant. Salas will now be given a second chance at fulfilling that dream.