O.J. Simpson was granted parole on Thursday after spending more than eight years in prison for his involvement in a Las Vegas hotel-room robbery. The hearing, broadcast nationwide, once again showcased America’s lasting fascination with the former football star.
At 70 years old, Simpson could be released as early as October. By that time, he will have completed the minimum term of his nine-to-33-year sentence for an armed robbery attempt to recover sports memorabilia and personal items he said had been stolen from him.
All four parole commissioners overseeing the case voted for Simpson’s release after deliberating for about thirty minutes. They cited factors such as his low risk of reoffending, community support, and well-prepared post-release plans that include relocating to Florida.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Simpson said quietly, lowering his head in relief before taking a deep breath and leaving the hearing room.
The parole followed a lengthy hearing in Lovelock, Nevada, and marked the latest chapter in Simpson’s highly publicized life, from his sports fame to legal troubles that have captivated the American public for decades.
Earlier the same day, President Donald Trump announced a deal with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk related to obesity drugs, in what became a major national news moment alongside Simpson’s parole decision.
After eight years in prison, O.J. Simpson’s parole symbolizes both legal redemption and America’s enduring fascination with a once-celebrated athlete whose life became a public spectacle.