O.J. Simpson parole reignites controversy

By Brian E. Muhammad -Contributing Writer- | Last updated: Jul 27, 2017 - 3:18:50 PM

O.J. Simpson parole hearing in Lovelock, Nevada.

As of October 1, 2017, inmate #1027820 returns to being Orenthall (O.J.) Simpson. A decision by the state of Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners granted the former football legend freedom. Mr. Simpson served nearly nine years of a 33-year sentence for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

The board deliberated for nearly 30 minutes on July 20 after interviewing Mr. Simpson and hearing testimonies from his oldest daughter, Arnelle Simpson and Bruce Fromong, a victim in the crime.

“I am sorry that things turned out the way they did. I had no intent to commit a crime,” said Mr. Simpson to the parole board.

The 70-year-old Simpson was convicted in 2008 on charges stemming from an incident where he and a group of others attempted to retrieve personal items and memorabilia in the possession of Mr. Fromong, a friend and former business partner.

With his attorney Malcolm LaVergne sitting by his side, O.J. Simpson answered questions and gave statements to the governor appointed commission via live video conference from Lovelock Correctional Center where he is incarcerated.

Mr. Simpson has been out of the public spotlight since being convicted and told the parole board that he participated in a violence/anger program that he is confident concerning its effectiveness.

O.J. Simpson’s daughter Arnelle Simpson, sister Shirley Baker and friend Tom Scotto react during Simpson’s parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center. Photos: MGN Online

The saga of O.J. Simpson continues in the national consciousness of America. The former sports hero, turned actor, acquitted murder suspect and convicted felon is one of the most polarizing public figures—loved by many and hated by many—say observers.

O.J. was considered a poster child of the apolitical and socially non-threatening Black man. In the award-winning documentary O.J.: Made in America; the saying “I’m not Black, I’m O.J.” was made famous. However, in 1994, the image was shattered with the grisly double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and Ron Goldman—that O.J. was tagged as the prime suspect and later acquitted for what was touted “The Trial of the Century.” The case split the country along racial lines and some believe O.J.’s conviction in the robbery and assault case was a form of “get back” for beating the murder case.

“As I listened to numerous legal experts and lawyers; they’re of the opinion that the original sentence for this robbery, as it’s called was excessive,” said Reggie Williams, a Charlotte N.C.-based sports consultant. Mr. Williams agrees with the decision to release O.J. and characterized the conviction as a “revenge sentence” for the 1995 acquittal of murder.

Although Mr. Simpson was acquitted for the murder, he was found guilty in a civil suit for the murders. Many believe that decision was racially driven. It’s questionable if Mr. Simpson will fade into oblivion upon his release. The parole hearing was covered by over 100 news outlets and shown live as it was conducted.

The release date for Mr. Simpson is as early as Oct. 1. The board said Mr. Simpson scored as a minimal risk level for reoffending in society based on a good behavioral record in prison.

News pundits on various stations had differing opinions on the decision. Some said his demeaner before the board was the same old “self-centered,” “manipulative” and the “same O.J.” from the 1995 trial.

On CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Gloria Browne-Marshall, Constitutional Law Professor at John Jay College raised the question of hypocrisy in how O.J. was covered in the media.

Ms. Marshall said the O.J. Simpson case is indicative of whether America should use the criminal justice system for “social morality because we don’t like somebody,” and “we don’t see him showing enough remorse.”

“I feel it’s time to give him a second chance” said Bruce Fromong who despite being a victim, said his friendship with O.J. goes back 27 years. “He’s a good man … he made a mistake,” he said.

“If he called me tomorrow and said ...Will you pick me up?” Mr. Fromong added. Then turning toward Mr. Simpson, he said: “Juice, I’ll be here tomorrow.”

The Final Call