When do I stop being a criminal? | Hassan "MVP" Assad | TEDxUAMonticello

[@wweTNAfan1000]

MVP speaking from the heart on a true issue that is ignored by much of society. So much respect

[@steve2000116]

In all fairness can't almost all non violent crimes get expunged off people's records?m

[@150booyadragon]

@@steve2000116 Super, super rare. Super hard to do. Mostly achieved by the overly rich already, or relatives to the overly rich/influential. And as influential MVP might be in some regards, society doesn't care about pro wrestling and prison talks.

[@steve2000116]

150booyadragon I had a class 2 felony burglary charge that was expunged and believe me I'm nobody special in any way shape or form From what I understand unless it's a DUI or a violent crime it can not be expunged , it only took like around 1500 to expunge my entire record

[@willsweird]

@@steve2000116 "Only" $1500? That's a lot of cash for some people. More than a full month's pay at minimum wage.

[@khaledgee]

He became the brain of hurt Bussniess to win wwe champion and us champion, tag team champion. I give credit to this man.

[@KD_SWAGGER]

I spent WrestleMania 35 with MVP at a place called Jack Demsey's in Midtown Manhattan in New York. He was a stand up guy and mingled with everyone. He shared his experiences with us and couldn't have been friendlier. This speech is impeccable and speaks volumes. MVP is a great talker and an inspiration to many!

[@Shin-Blade]

He's incredible to ever know...

[@KD_SWAGGER]

@@Shin-Blade Word!

[@BenJohnson0531]

I was there as well. The building was electric when Kofi won. Of course, I was on the fourth floor and only had a brief encounter meeting MVP. Such and incredible night.

[@KD_SWAGGER]

@@BenJohnson0531 Small world, I'm sure you heard of YEP! I Like Wrestling! Thanks for supporting our events!

[@BenJohnson0531]

KD SWAGGER was that your event? Good job man, it was best viewing party I’ve been to yet.

[@johnpannebaker5757]

Man, this makes him crying when Kofi won the title even more poignant. Because as proud as he was, there was a little part of him that knew that could have been him. Beyond time to reform the prison system AND what happen's to people after

[@Supreme_Kai]

I was there with him at that moment He was at our viewing party Yep! I like wrestling on Facebook KZbin etc He’s more incredible and gracious than you’d imagine He stood the whole time till 2am taking pics signing things having real talks to everyone

[@westnile21]

@@Supreme_Kai - He was there with Shad Gaspard (RIP)

[@Mushtaps]

Well I’m fairness if he never went to prison he may of never become a wrestler

[@Kravis63]

A “letter of rehabilitation” is such a great idea. Guys that get out of prison deserve a chance to truly re-enter society.

[@TheGr8T321]

I have to say Matt Hardy said years ago how Intelligent you are. This really made me think... can things get better ? Hearing your testimonial made me have even more Respect you as a Person. I thought you were very good in the ring. Thank you for sharing yourself. MVP !!! ✊

[@samuelwoods164]

I used to record raw late night live at the time and one of the only things I didnt fast forward through was their feud, they were great together.

[@papanoel3999]

I must say fair play to Vince mcmahon for hiring mvp in the first place knowing he'd been inside and inside for 9 years.

[@KolossusB]

Vince wasn't far off from being in that exact same position. If it wasn't for Kevin Wacholz(The wrestler Nailz) clearly biased statements made in the steroid trial against vince that they were forced to deem as inadmissible, and some other factors Vince could have been incarcerated himself for a good long while. He Gave Nathan Jones a shot as well who spent time in prison in Australia before getting into strongman and wrestling. Difference there was Jones had no business being in the wrestling ring at the top level like MVP did.

[@kell8721]

Papa noel MVP was no way an exception. If you know your history people who've done way worse who have been in the business were signed by WWF/E.

[@JR-he6fn]

Always liked this guy on tv. MVP could’ve been WWE champ if they wanted to and fans would’ve loved it

[@hiphopdagame]

he did kinda point that out that he COULD have been WWE/World champ if it wasn't for his past and him being not allowed in some countries(coz WWE does travel around the world 300+ days).. so, i don't think WWE wanted someone that would be representing them as a World champ but can't travel to some countries...

[@TheeKingRayzor]

@@hiphopdagame It was more than that, at the time, WWE didn't want African Americans as WWE Champions, not saying it's going to change now that Kofi Kingston is WWE Champion, he may be the first, and only one ever.

[@letussee4969]

@@TheeKingRayzor Stop being so dramatic about the future, heard of Big E? He will no doubt win it later, also have Keith Lee that will become a big star.

[@TheeKingRayzor]

@@letussee4969 I wasn't being dramatic, I was being honest.

[@willyschitumba5914]

Heriberto Murillo MVP & Mr Kennedy feuded with Taker and Kane in 06'-07'...i really thought they were gonna be stars but they were out quicker than I ever imagined

[@sukyuppal4680]

Chris benoit always pushed for him when no one did

[@MyJbryant]

You're right.

[@jay7949]

Who's that?

[@Mikhael23arab]

@@jay7949 only a legendary wrestler who tragically killed his family, and himself over "roid rage" and likely CTE from his flying headbutts. This was back in 2007, so maybe you don't follow wrestling enough.

[@willn8664]

@@Mikhael23arab "allegedly" Still hasn't been proven till this day that he actually killed his family and himself.

[@Mikhael23arab]

@@willn8664 uhuh

[@therealdojj]

his whole story is captivating, sincere, humble, real and down to earth and you could hear the passion in his story when he was live for 90 minutes or more, plus he shows respect for the position he's attained through his hard work

[@abdiwahabbadal3368]

Gained So much more respect for MVP ♥️

[@MKUltra77715]

He came a long way and rose up. Shame he didn't become World Champion in WWe. Definitely Hall of Fame worthy.

[@jokatero11]

Montel Vontavious Porter BLW World Heavyweight Championship (current) IWGP Intercontinental Championship (inaugural) Most Underrated (2008) Most Improved (2007)

[@brysoncherry9884]

Totally forgot he inaugurated the IWGP IC belt. Such a good belt i forget the lineage sometimes.

[@georgebrice3831]

Bryson cherry+ I did think he address that

[@MGSBigBoss77]

Yup!

[@vickieross4380]

WWE U.S. champ to boot! Quite the turn around if ya ask me! Congrats MVP!!! An true to life inspiration & hero for kids like me! Say what u will about Vince McMahon but I commend the efforts on given people like me and mvp a chance to succeed in a world filled with hatred!

[@DaDualityofMan]

I still remember MVP’s debut, he instantly became one of my favs.

[@greatone4788]

American Prison is a business and it is booming

[@TyTyslickster]

You're absolutely correct however where is the reform? ??

[@MansonX]

Ty Ty the reform is within those of us who served time. We must reform ourselves. Don’t expect others to do it for us. The only things someone can give us on the journey of reform is support and a chance to prove ourselves with a true chance not just minimal.

[@MansonX]

Having served time, I’m thankful that videos like this are online. Such truth. But sadly it won’t open to many eyes. But one step at a time is still moving forward.

[@i5C0R3Pi0N]

1 2. You hear the clock ticking? Tick-tock, You about to stop living. Tick-tock, I want you to remember me. Tick-tock, but the day don't have no memory. I'm coming!

[@anasshahid224]

He's back 😎👏

[@vickieross4380]

legal discrimination. nothing but pure TRUTH spoken here. thank you sir! one love. (Unrelated sidebar: KZbin $m@ll C)

[@Nakajima-oh7kw]

If am an employer, am gonna be a lot more comfortable hiring a guy who's got no record vs a guy with his record

[@vickieross4380]

@@Nakajima-oh7kw p.s. holier than thou, always a good look pal. props.

[@Nakajima-oh7kw]

@@vickieross4380 How is it holier than thou to not want a guy convicted of armed robbery and spent just under a decade in prison?

[@vickieross4380]

people change, not everyone was born under the same circumstances if you we're starving chances are you'd want to eat too. gurantee u this, u not giving said person a job isn't gonna reduce any crime rates anywhere sir. @@Nakajima-oh7kw

[@Nakajima-oh7kw]

@@vickieross4380 I wouldn't just outright refuse them the job, like Hassan said at the end I'd meet them and discuss the background to see the kind of person they were. It's just normal to feel more comfortable having a guy work for you who's only crime is illegal downloading

[@xoSavality]

It’s a shame but the complete truth. I have a ton of respect towards MVP for speaking about his experience on his life and this issue.

[@carlosuter3341]

this made me cry. Very inspiring. Being in jail is another type of mountain to climb. I also want to remind of the criminal code (see TED TALK) which all criminals follow: don't let your buddies down, don't hurt women or children, don't steal from the poor. Who brakes this code will be punished or killed by the other inmates. Jails are split in two parts to protect those who have broken the code.

[@srami004]

"When do you stop paying?" Sums up the entire speech.

[@seanjahns3238]

srami004 I felt that when he asked that!

[@rabronin]

It's a very important question that desperately needs to be answered.

[@MessianicJewJitsu]

Makes me happier to have cited him as a personal influence before seeing this. Loved this talk.

[@JoseGonzalez-ml7qc]

I loved hated him as kid he worked his larger than life persona so good. His blow up tent entrance was pretty cool

[@leolardo]

Was always a big fan of MVP Montel Vontavious Porter. I am sad that they didn't push him towards heavyweight championship, but I'm glad to hear his testimony! TICK TOCK

[@AJAY16411]

Oh my god is that mvp on a ted talk? Wow, I know h8m from professional wrestling but this side of him is so interesting and makes me wanna learn more about him.....MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!

[@justmyopinion935]

This came up I had no idea about this part of MVP'S life and this was moving. So much respect for sharing your story

[@reckszkingzactivitiesrkat.4134]

Now these are the sort of things I back & retweet man for real big up MVP & his story 💯💯💯💯

[@RonStarr215]

Praise God! Bless! This was so inspirational and uplifting.

[@Tcrror]

"God"

[@stargazrBrass]

I knew him from Coral Springs in a local wrestling federation. He was an amazing person then as he is today. Love him so much. So proud of him now and where he came from. Much respect Hassan.

[@Vellieoso559]

MVP A Real Individual Miss That Man In A Wwe Ring

[@owl509]

MVP always been one of my favorite midcard talents

[@RoyaltyRogue]

I remember a promo MVP did back in the day where he talks about how he got reformed and how he doesnt want young kids to make the same mistake. I didnt know how real that was until now.

[@multiyapples]

I'm glad he changed his ways.

[@jalonglover4488]

He is full man fully amazing to me after this speech.

[@mattboland7063]

I can relate to what MVP is saying. Although I've never been in real trouble, I have a certain neurological condition whose name starts with A, and rhymes with "prism". No matter how hard I try to keep it hidden, it seems that prospective employers have seen me as a "square peg in a round hole"; to them, I don't "fit in". There are many that go through the same thing; criminals notwithstanding, the majority of these people can't help the way that they are. Sometimes, it's something that you're born with. Yet to a large segment of the corporate world, that doesn't matter; all that matters is that the person is "different", and not worth taking a chance on. That's a very sad thing, but maybe we can change it.

[@jamilfaavae-stewart28]

Much respect to you MVP. You’re a success story!!!!

[@Supreme_Kai]

Truly amazing and incredibly talented and inspiring

[@wwrafterz5490]

Love you on edge’s and Christian’s pod very pleased to hear your story

[@Briansgate]

Amen, preach it MVP, you are my hero.

[@NothingButLol]

I still have a wrestling figure of him, much love my brother mad respect my dude

[@henriomoeje8741]

The U.S. is 4% of the world's population but has 25% of the world's incarcerated persons. He was denied rehabilitation in his own country but was received with open arms in a foreign land.

[@Θανος-ι6φ]

Excellent video!! MVP rocks and his message should NOT be taken lightly or for granted. The US needs a lot of reform and serious changes in their prison system and how they operate their country in general. Its no Canada, that's for sure, but it is a huge country with lots of opportunity but things need to change NOW.

[@MichaelDrGonzoLee]

Brilliant talk!

[@jewmaxin1984]

Wow. Fun to see him in his character and zone as a sports entertainer.....but seeing the man in this light and his perspective Ive got nothing but love for that perseverance and determination.

[@subsynchronous]

He played the in ring character as an ex-felon. Today, Vince's creativity is limited by his own design.

[@goldenhydreigon4727]

For everyone who disliked this video.... *_I'M COMING!_*

[@snoopbeerus4091]

Nobody can stop me

[@ltnationradio8348]

im with you

[@xxmarvelknightxxgaming]

Chill🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@goldenhydreigon4727]

@@xxmarvelknightxxgaming It's a reference to his theme song in WWE What'd you think it was? Grow up!

[@xxmarvelknightxxgaming]

Nah I know wat u meant nd wat u intended lmaoo 😂😂.... Just the way u made it dramatic........ All it said was read more.......... I'm Coming!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jonathan__g]

This was a great Ted-Talk. Even though I am not an American (Canadian) it still hits home when I applied for jobs and had to fill out the background checks for those places. It puts them in a different perspective that I hadnt thought about before.

[@officiallymarvellous]

He is back in business baby!

[@sanshoryu]

Shameless, but I personally know this guy. He's been very very cool to me.

[@vjary8142]

interesting to hear MVP tell of how what he did 30 years ago still impacts on his life today, even though he totally changed his life around. He's still giving back to society today through the work he does with young people and ex-convicts and as he said "he's MVP, on television, your kids play with my figure".

[@Matt-cr4vv]

It's a real thing. I'm representing a 15 year old. She made a bad mistake and plead guilty to a felony for it. If she slips up one time in the next three years she's forever a felon. That doesn't mean harming someone. That means staying out last curfew, testing positive for marijuana, skipping school, etc. Our criminal justice system really makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to recover from a bad decision.

[@topthat11]

Of the smack down vs Raws he was in they finally got his entrance right in 2009

[@NonStopWrestlingNetwork]

I was on every word, this guy is the man, I love these vids.

[@prince_sach50]

Should've been WWE Champ

[@AGuerrero-cy2yr]

I could listen to him talk for a long time. He's so intelligent.

[@Foxani_]

I missed this man bro damn time flies

[@MrEdward4321]

Thank you Montel for this video!

[@acea5683]

Amazing - HARD WORK trumps all weaknesses

[@lukeshdoesntknow]

Even the lowest recidivism statistics he mentions are really damn shocking. That means almost 1 in every 2 people end up going back to prison

[@robertobravo5732]

A felony conviction closes so many doors.

[@jamescrawley7993]

Very good MVP! very good talk.

[@Jason_FC]

Thank you for that sir. Maybe it will help some people to open their eyes. People can change.

[@mkchamp9645]

I experienced something similar, only mine was a misdemeanor at 33, trying to get a job was impossible... Luckly after the judge heard my case she threw it out, then all these jobs i applied too were calling me back like car salesmen... So i can only imagine what a former felon goes through...

[@necessaryevile]

Please inform me what misdimeanor is so bad that it affects getting jobs? I've had 5 or 6 of them and not once did it ever cause job trouble

[@necessaryevile]

Plus, from the sound of your story, you weren't even convicted yet, because there would be no judge to throw it out if you had. I'm sorry but your story sounds and smells like it's full of lies

[@geoffreyryan5846]

The champ that wasn’t a champ. Real stand up guy!

[@kennethjose7159]

I am one of those who would not take a chance with regards to convicted felons. This vid made me question myself and the society we live in. Quite an eye opener.

[@JuniorWarburton]

This message is achieving its goal

[@greenman394]

He had the coolest ring gear

[@Jazz-dh2ds]

Man thats a really good TEDtalk

[@RandomRocker]

Here from the WrestleMe podcast. Thanks guys

[@1983jcheat]

Another guy WWE dropped the ball with. Impact and New Japan gave him a better shot. He can talk and wrestle somebody give this cat one more Money run.

[@hiphopdagame]

he was almost Impact/TNA World Champ but injury stopped him from being it...

[@ad206]

Dropped the ball with? They made him a superstar haha.

[@BluSpykz]

I don't think MVP's problem was entirely Vince. Vince I think, this time, was ready to push the button. The fans in WWE are entirely different to (Impact, New Japan) - a bit more insidious. Power Ranger chants? The fans buried MVP. Vince followed later. The change should've been made when he wasn't getting the RIGHT KIND of heat with fans. For the record; I thought this guy was the bomb; but it took time for me to warm to him too.

[@1cuno]

Dropped the ball? Explain. Dude had a very successful career as a tag team and us champ, even held both at the same time. Had a more successful career than the majority of people who ever step foot in a ring. So explain how they dropped the ball please

[@joebob8706]

I believe he acheived alot more in WWE than he did in Japan and Impact. He had one of the biggest US title reigns ever and was heavily promoted on Smackdown for a while. There were alot of talented over midcarders during the RA era that could of been world champions. But that was during the time of Cena and Batista being faces of WWE and the likes of HHH, HBK, Undertaker, Edge etc. were full time on the roster.

[@mikdadhussain3717]

Speaking from the Heart.

[@DanielLarsonofficia]

This guy is genuinely a good guy smart guy

[@troche19andres]

He said Vince McMahon. He will be fire.

[@pfcSoto]

Chill fam this ain't the hall of fame 🙅🏿‍♀️

[@khanthevideogamehunter2946]

Maybe they should cut 5 precent of US milatry spending towards the prison system to help people rehabilitate. Individual to stay out of jail. I have huge respect for this man after hearing his talk I never knew this about MVP.

[@ChadIsAmazingMakeADifference]

remarkable turnaround. personal hero of mine.

[@BigStevie]

I saw MVP at Wrestlemania 23 in Detroit!

[@MyJbryant]

I was there too. I was living there at the time.

[@farooqali6427]

Time changes person but it doesn't change society

[@DaDualityofMan]

First I saw a TedTalk with the Professor, and now with MVP, TedTalk is bringing back all my favorite childhood athletes.

[@sammyderrick8658]

he is AWESOME!!!

[@The_Honest_Hierophant]

WWE should atleast bring him back as a manager!

[@hurricanesteel5708]

It was nice seeing him speak live

[@TheStuport]

Despite being labeled by some, Montel STILL gives back to Society. I would think his motivation is to make sure other's see that there are choices. Mad Respect to This Cat

[@mattboland7063]

Personal case in point: after college, I applied for a broadcasting internship with a major media company who was then in the South Florida market. The interview and introductions went well, and I was subsequently informed that I was hired. "Report back here (to the company's market offices) on Monday" was the word I was given. Lo and behold, upon doing that, I was told that I didn't get the job after all. To quote the supervisor's words verbatim, the reason was that "we don't think you fit in here". I asked if there was anything I could do to change their mind; the reply (again verbatim) was "no, not really". Unfortunately for me, the head honchos had spoken...DENIED. :(

[@spankyx813]

Great TEDx Talks, that's for sure. Sounds alot like Capt. K'nuckles from Flapjack.

[@MyNameIsEthan]

Thank god I wasn't the only one thinking that. But it was a great Tedx Talk.

[@x2ceyez]

Came here after watching his BJJ video, brother is keeping it strong and has a family and seems happy now. Glad for him, he was very entertaining in the WWE and seems like a nice and smart guy in general

[@StevieT2411]

Yes a murderer is still a murderer. You took someone's life so even spending 20 yrs in prison does not allow you the right to live your best life when you get out

[@anasshahid224]

MVP is such an inspiration! 👌👏

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6531]

happy now hes now back

[@rollandcurtisfromVermont]

On par with Stonecold’s glass breaking theme music intro, MVP’s “I’m Coming” busting through the curtain was special.

[@markb35]

Man, I remember being a fan of MVP as just an 11 year old kid. Even though I religiously followed WWE and read up on whatever I could, kayfabe or non-kayfabe from the early days of my fandom on, I somehow never stumbled across the fact that the guy I saw and cheered on live at a house show had served 9 years in prison. And now I listen to this and I agree with almost everything he says. And more, actually, even as someone who doesn't live in the US I know enough about the law and prison system there to have a tremendous amount of criticism for it, I feel like he was being very calm and reserved about it, probably not to undermine the point he's making by being straight forward from the difficult position he's in as a convicted felon himself. The one thing I disagree with though is the example he has chosen when he said when does a murderer stop being a murderer. Because that's the one crime that you never stop being guilty for. The one crime where you made the conscious, premeditated decision to act against the highest law of society. Murder, whether successfully executed or a failed attempt, is the one crime that should land you in prison for life imo. With an armed robber, I'm fully on his side, he served his sentence, he should get the fair chance to do better from the day he walks out of those prison confines. In fact, I was always super bummed he never got that world title run. MVP in 2007 was pure gold, only surpassed by one of the greatest of all times, Edge, in terms of being a top heel during this period.

[@itsaxel8088]

The most human Ted Talk I've listened to in a while.

[@cnotes1790]

About this one, my former co workers turned close friend committed a felony and served his time back in the late 80s early 90s, since then he hasn't committed any major crimes, works 60 hours a week pays taxes takes care of his kids one of whom has a kid and they won't let him own a gun. Can you believe that, payed his debt about 30 years ago and they still don't trust him with a gun to protect his family. I seen him live in some shady spots and I feel like he's a target because he's a working man and people know he's makes money. It's mind blowing to me. You would never know this man did time if you he didn't tell you yet he's u trusted with a weapon for self preservation.

[@Rulle666]

If MVP would have been treated fair, he would have been the face of WWE instead of John Cena! Much respect to MVP for keeping it real!

[@chrisbills7076]

Always liked MVP. Seems like a good guy. Very talented and interesting person.

[@soulbrother01]

“IM COMIN!”

[@R.Rileys-BION_Patreon-Podcast]

Lol That blow up MVP entrance he had... lmao dude you just took me back. lol

[@soulbrother01]

Rik Riley FR, THROWBACK ASF LOL

[@R.Rileys-BION_Patreon-Podcast]

@@soulbrother01 FR FR It was so silly but yet so cool at the same time. Especially when cheerleaders came out too at mania.

[@wwetnabamafan194]

🎶1,2, can't you hear the clock ticking? Tick-tock, you about to start living. Tick-tock, I want you to remember me. Tick-tock, cause the day ain't got no memory! 🎶

[@MrGeo-EmitFodrol]

I had multiple versions of his action figures and had like 10 games with him in it lol... MVP is the man

[@natejay82]

Man that is heavy!!

[@HmongCalibur]

Was brought here from Kofi.

[@QTCutes]

HmongCalibur where did KOfi mention this ? I’m curious

[@djgulston]

@@QTCutes I see Kofi mentioned it on Twitter.

[@HmongCalibur]

That is correct.

[@paulcarpenter7844]

They had a great match on raw for the us title Kofi won but that was a 5 out 5

[@davidhastings2603]

Excellent !

[@mughilandrajendran6849]

If we don't give others a chance then what makes us worse from them. No one is perfect

[@SantaPorter]

Huh, always wondered what happened to him after wrestling

[@RCZY_OFFICIAL]

he does still wrestle in the indies

[@SantaPorter]

@@RCZY_OFFICIAL does he? Have to look it up cheers

[@rabronin]

He was an entertaining star on TV. It's sad to hear that he's had and is still having a tough life :(

[@frankzavala7139]

He's back in WWE doing very well for himself.

[@rabronin]

@@frankzavala7139 not what I meant. He was saying he's still discriminated against today for having done time.

[@khaledgee]

He became the brain of hurt Bussniess to win wwe champion and us champion, tag team champion. I give credit to this man.

[@tercial]

MVP was a talented wrestler I low key miss him.

[@AGTJAZZ]

I High Key miss him after watching this