Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees, placed his hands together, and bowed his head moments after the jury found him not guilty of the most serious criminal charges he faced, giving him a second chance at life.

Citing the federal sentencing guidelines, prosecutors in the trial argued Combs should be sentenced to 51 to 63 months in prison -- around four to five years. Defense attorneys argued the guidelines point toward a sentence of 21 to 27 months -- around two years.

A split decision that saw the fallen rapper and mogul escape being convicted of the more serious charges left observers stumped and ponderous — and looking for answers.