orginally he wasn't going to be let go since it was assumed it was a one time mistake. But after telling the police the he took the take in with him about 80% of the time is when strickland changed his mind and asked for his res. As for the scapegoat I don't by it he was told to take it home with him and he for got it in his car the tape was his responsablity to take care of and he didn't.