OJ Simpson Granted Parole in Robbery Case

After serving eight years and a sentence full of regrets, OJ Simpson is a free man. In a unanimous decision by a Las Vegas parole board Thursday, Simpson is set to be out as early as Oct. 1 of this year.

Breaking: O.J. Simpson has been granted parole nine years into a 33-year sentence; could be released as early as Oct. 1st. pic.twitter.com/K9ARkDOcu0

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 20, 2017

The Hearing

It would be a familiar sight as of late from OJ Simpson. Smiling, energetic and joking around with the board. Simpson, in his ninth year of his sentence, is set to be free as early as October from a 33-year-long sentence. The hearing’s end would have the world on the edge of its seat. When it would come time to learn his fate, Simpson was the same as the rest of the world: anxiously awaiting the decision.

O.J. Simpson wins parole after serving nine years for armed robbery and kidnapping https://t.co/di9NLhRSI6 https://t.co/G3ECaWR0u2

— CNN (@CNN) July 20, 2017

Four judges. Four votes that grant OJ parole. After getting a conviction in 2007 for armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon, he, soon enough, is a free man. The robbery stems from a belief that someone had stolen his personal property and family heirlooms, according to CNN. Many television specials would follow his sentencing, most recently and popular the FX Network’s OJ: Made in America makes sure that he is never forgotten but not for his play style. This will follow OJ and he will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, damaging his legacy.

After almost 9 years in prison, O.J. Simpson is granted parole. pic.twitter.com/wYGQFl57VL

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 20, 2017

OJ Simpson may walk as a free man but will he ever truly be a free man? Only time and the conditions placed on him will tell. But why is OJ such a revered sports icon?

OJ’s Sports Legacy

Before OJ would go down as a stone-cold killer turned “model prisoner”, Simpson would impress on his turf. His turf being the gridiron. Playing for the famed USC Trojans, Simpson’s two years in Southern California as a running back would show statistical dominance. According to SportsReference.com, his debut season for the Trojans in 1967 would result in 1543 yards with 13 touchdowns. Simpson also recorded 10 receptions and 109 yards with an average of 10.9 yards per carry. Finally, Simpson would also finish second in Heisman voting for his rookie year, falling behind Gary Beban.

O.J. Simpson was granted parole earlier today.

Watch the SportsCenter special now on ESPN, the App, or here: https://t.co/3m5752zAXY pic.twitter.com/wrFPUUD1MZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 20, 2017

Simpson would repeat the feat and then some the following year in 1968. After coming up short in 1967, Simpson was prepared to leave no doubt and secure his place atop the list. OJ would record 1880 yards in his second season and 23 touchdowns for the Trojans. Simpson would be denied no longer and won the Heisman that year, which is still on display at USC.

OJ would forego his junior year and declare eligible for the NFL Draft. He would go number one to the Buffalo Bills in 1969 and play in New York until 1977. During his time in Buffalo, OJ’s numbers include:

• 112 Games Played with 98 Starts
• 10,183 Rushing Yards
• 57 Touchdowns

Simpson would move to the west coast in 1977, going to the San Francisco 49ers for two years before leaving the sport of football after a 10-year career in the National Football League.

OJ Simpson may be a household name in football but will forever go down as a man tarnished in controversy. At 70-years-old, he is as polarizing as one man can be. A legacy tarnished and a reputation ruined for many. OJ Simpson will get what he feels is his: justice. October 2017 may be when he does indeed get his justice.