O.J. Simpson Granted Parole After Nine Years in Prison

After spending nine years in a Nevada prison, O.J. Simpson was granted parole during a hearing on Thursday (July 20).

The 70-year-old former football star was sentenced to a nine-to-33 year sentence at Lovelock Correctional Center following his 2008 conviction of armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to NBC News, Simpson spoke (via videoconference) in front of the Nevada Board of Parole explaining the events of the robbery in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2007. He would later express remorse for his actions and described himself as a family man and devout Christian.

“I’ve done my time. I’d just like to get back to my family and friends,” he said. “I’m sorry it happened. I’m sorry to Nevada … I thought I was glad to get my stuff back, but it wasn’t worth it.”

He told the parole board that he’d like to go back to Florida, where he purchased a Miami home in 2000 and raised his children. “I can easily stay in Nevada, but I don’t think you guys want me here,” Simpson said with a chuckle.

Simpson’s daughter, Arnelle, spoke on behalf of the family and told the parole commissioners that “we just want him to come home.” Even Bruce Fromong, a friend of Simpson and the only surviving victim of the 2007 armed robbery, said he thinks Simpson is “a good man” and has served his time.
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After the hearing, an emotional Simpson thanked the parole commissioners, his attorney and his family as he escorted out of the room. He could leave the Nevada prison as early as Oct 1.