After serving nearly nine years in prison, former football star and convicted armed robber O.J. Simpson is a free man once again. A Nevada parole board granted him parole on Thursday after Simpson apologized and argued he’d been a model prisoner.
Infamously accused of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1994, Simpson was acquitted of that crime after a lengthy trial in 1995. His later arrest in 2007 was for attempting to steal sports memorabilia that he claimed belonged to him. He was convicted in 2008 and will now go free in October.
Many felt his lengthy conviction for the robbery (nine to 33 years) was inextricably bound to the highly controversial acquittal back in 1995.
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The hearing on Thursday was likely one of the most watched parole hearings in history. Simpson has been in the public eye again in recent years due to a popular FX television series that depicted the events of the ’90s murder trial (Cuba Gooding Jr. played O.J.). A lengthy documentary called “Made in America” about his life and later crimes also won the Best Documentary Academy Award.
“I’ve basically spent a conflict-free life,” the 70-year old Simpson told the Nevada Parole Board. It was an eerie sight for anyone who believes the man is guilty of murder; Simpson repeatedly referred to himself as a non-violent person.
The board did assure him at one point that his murder trial would have no influence over their decision; it appears it did not.
Related: Could O.J. Simpson Be a Free Man This Year?
Speaking on Simpson’s behalf was his oldest child, Arnelle Simpson, as well as Bruce Fromong, one of the victims of Simpson’s attempted robbery. One of the five men Simpson brought with him to a Las Vegas hotel room to retrieve his alleged belongings pulled a gun on Fromong — and Fromong and Simpson since said they had both made amends. Fromong noted he thought the original sentencing for Simpson was harsh.
When Simpson was asked about his time in prison, he revealed he’d taken an “alternative to violence” course and a victim empathy course, and that he’d also helped usher during religious services at the Lovelock Correctional Facility. “I was always a good guy, but I could have been a better Christian,” Simpson said at one point.
Though many still believe Simpson is guilty of the murders he was accused of in 1994, few people seemed to feel there was much legal standing to keep him in prison for the crimes for which he was convicted in 2008. The parole board shared these feelings and granted him his freedom, which will occur in October.
“I could have been a better Christian.”
The question now is: What will O.J. Simpson do when he’s out?
He will arguably have more press and media attention in this next year than he’s had in decades. What will he do with it?
Here’s a look at a few opportunities that could come the way of a free O.J. Simpson. (go to page 2 to continue reading) [lz_pagination]
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