O J Simpson should know next week whether his blemish-free record behind bars and contrition for trying to take back sports memorabilia of his glory days will win him favor with the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.
The former American football star asked for leniency yesterday, expressing regret for his actions and describing himself as a model inmate who earns pennies an hour keeping gym equipment sanitized and umpiring and coaching games in the prison yard.
Parole Commissioner Susan Jackson and hearing representative Robin Bates were to make their confidential recommendation to the full parole board, and a final decision is expected next week. Jackson noted that Simpson has had no disciplinary actions during his incarceration and was deemed a "low risk" to commit repeat offenses.
"I just wish I never went to that room," the 66-year-old Simpson said during a 15-minute appearance.
The graying Simpson, dressed in prison blues, attended the hearing remotely from a video conference room the Lovelock Correction Center. Four out of seven commissioners must support his request. But he won't be looking at possible freedom just yet because he is only eligible for parole on five convictions that were ordered to run concurrently two counts each of kidnapping and robbery and one count of burglary with a weapon.
Even if the Nevada Parole Board ruled in his favor, he would then begin serving sentences attached to other charges and spend at least another four years in prison.
He still has four weapon enhancement sentences to serve, followed by consecutive terms for two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Parole from those sentences would be considered at future hearings.
Simpson provided a glimpse of his time in prison since he was sentenced to nine to 33 years behind bars. He said he has served as a counselor of sorts to other inmates who come to him with their issues. But he said he shouldn't be compared with other inmates.
