People I (Mostly) Admire 64. How Larry Miller Went from Prison Valedictorian to Nike Executive
Feb 26, 2022
Larry Miller, a former Nike executive and author of "Jump," shares his remarkable journey from being a teenage murder convict to leading Nike's Jordan brand. He discusses the challenges of living with his past while climbing the corporate ladder. Education in prison changed his life, allowing him to become valedictorian. Miller also explores the importance of collaboration and insights in effective leadership at Nike, advocating for educational reforms in the justice system to foster transformation and reintegration.
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Early Crimes
- Larry Miller, nicknamed "The Champ", was a straight-A student but stole a bike around age 11.
- This incident, involving a police officer with a drawn gun, ironically pushed him further into street life.
The Murder
- At 16, Miller killed Edward White, pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
- He served four and a half years, a typical sentence for the time, with 15.5 years of parole.
Sentencing Disparity
- In 1960, first-time homicide offenders served a median of 52 months (around 4.5 years).
- This contrasts sharply with today's median of approximately 17 years, a much more punitive system.