Today, the State of Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners voted to parole O.J. Simpson. In 2008, Simpson was convicted of several offenses including armed robbery and kidnapping in connection to him and other trying to recover some of his old memorabilia. While sentenced to 33 years in prison, much of his time was cut for his good behavior. Reports say O.J. will be released last this fall.
For me, the saga of O.J. Simpson was my first real glimpse into the American system of justice. I can remember exactly where I was standing while I watched the White Bronco chase along the L.A. Freeways. I remember tuning in to watch Marcia Clark, Judge Lance Ito, Johnnie Cochran and the rest of the cast of characters try the “Trial of the Century.” I remember Norm McDonald ripping everyone involved on SNL’s Weekend Update. And I remember being late to 8th grade science class as I listened to the verdict being read.
I couldn’t recommend enough the ESPN “OJ: Made in America” series, which documented his life, the murder trials, and the events that put him in a Nevada prison for the last 9 years.
