I can't believe how many people think it's ok to deposit this check. Guy #2 has nothing to do with guy #1 who wrote the check. And if he's sincere about getting bad news in regards to his employment then cashing it becomes even more despicable.
You were inconvenienced selling your spare Italian motorcycle that can barely fit in your garage. Sounds like ya got it rough but take the higher road and don't keep money that isn't yours anyway.
Pretty much this. Tear up the check. Yeah, he wasted a bit of your time but you probably spend way more time here reading and chatting about bikes than he wasted with you in person chatting about bikes... big deal.