“A former Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. executive was sentenced to write a book for giving false information to U.S. regulators about a botched 2006 agreement to delay generic competition for the blood thinner Plavix” (O’Reilly).
Can you believe it? U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina sentenced Andrew Bodnar, former senior exec-VP of Bristol-Myers, to write a book. Of course, Bodnar also received two years’ probation and a $5,000 fine. But that last term–what a doozy!
According to the Bloomberg.com article writer Cary O’Reilly, Judge Urbina told Bodnay that he “would like to see him write a book so [other people] don’t find themselves in a similar situation.” I suppose that’s–what’s the right word?–an optimistic decision; it’s certainly not an easy task. Even “Bodnar’s lawyers would most likely ask the judge to alter probation terms if Bodnar is unable to produce a book.”
As all writers, and many other people, know, writing is hard. Very, incredibly hard. It’s fun, I think. Gratifying and a fantastic experience. But it’s wonderfully gratifying. It’s not just writing words, after all; there’s literary elements, organization, structure, re-writing, and…
But then again. The judge didn’t say anything about it being publishable. Would a first draft suffice? Can a ghost writer be involved? Are there deadlines? …Define “book.”
Curious, curious sentencing. What do you make of this punishment?
…I am suddenly reminded of teachers assigning “lines” as detention work.
If you’d like to read Cary O’Reilly’s article at Bloomberg.com, please do so. It has information on the case and a few of the reactions to the sentencing.
