What's Next In Jackson Saga?

Many Think Jackson Could Try Comeback After Time Off

(CBS/AP) 
However, some note that Jackson's career has been declared dead before.

When his success as a child wunderkind fronting The Jackson Five was waning, some doubted whether he could make it as an adult star and were proven wrong. And when he had hits again with his brothers as part of The Jacksons, others questioned whether he could become a solo success — and they were wrong.

After Jackson became one of the most popular entertainers in history — and saw his image tarnished by a 1993 allegation of child molestation — many doubted that he would have a No. 1 hit again. But he did.

However, the public hasn't concentrated on Jackson as a musical figure for a long time. His last album, a greatest hits project, was released the day of his arrest on child molestation charges in 2003. For the past year and a half, news around Jackson has centered on allegations of sex with children, giving them alcohol, and other questionable behavior at Neverland Ranch.

"He can have success," said Antonio "L.A" Reid, chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam. "I would say that he has to just make great music and concentrate on nothing else but making great music and making great live performances."

Yet, there is a considerable "ick" factor when it comes to Michael Jackson. Though acquitted of child molestation, most people have been repulsed by his admission to sleeping in the same bed with children, even if it was non-sexual. He also carries plenty of baggage given his eccentric behavior over the years and plastic surgery that has reduced him to a disturbing visual image.

But negative publicity — no matter how unseemly — doesn't necessarily mean the end of a career anymore.

"I think that his acquittal will be enormously helpful to his career. Now he has the David and Goliath (parallel) on his side," said Paul Levinson, Chairman of Media and Communications at Fordham University. "He stood up to the government... He proved almost all the pundits wrong."

However, his career will be not the only problem on Jackson's plate in the future. He faces financial problems and possibly a civil trial from accuser and his family.

Mesereau said he hasn't talked much about the future with Jackson.

"We really didn't talk much about the trial at all yesterday," he said. "But if somebody takes a civil case and tries to go for it, we'll defend and they'll lose again."

DeCurtis also notes that Jackson has many assets, including his own songs and rights to the Beatles collection, and that this verdict will help him solve some of those money issues.

"The fact that he was so clearly exonerated I think really helps him, as far as people wanting to restructure his debt," DeCurtis said.

"I hope he pulls it together. There are a lot of fans who are interested and curious. They'd be fascinated to see what his next step is," Taraborelli said.