by Cedric Mcclester

Created on: September 19, 2007   Last Updated: November 15, 2007

Former football great, O.J. Simpson who was acquitted of double murder in 1995, was recently charged with kidnapping, which potentially carries a life sentence and armed robbery and assault in a dispute over sports memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel. In all, Simpson and his three co-defendants face a total of 11 charges that could send the 60 year-old athlete-turned actor to prison for the rest of his life. Simpson dodged that bullet, so to speak, when he was acquitted of double murder, in what was billed as the trial of the century.

These latest charges stem from what authorities say was an armed theft by Simpson of his own sports memorabilia from a pair of collectors who were staying at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. As this is being written Simpson is being held without bail, pending a first court appearance, that may also include his co-defendants, one of whom cut a deal with the prosecutor. It is alleged that Simpson and others brandishing guns busted into a hotel room of some memorabilia collectors, in an effort on Simpson's part to retrieve certain items that allegedly belonged to the former athlete.

It is no secret that OJ has been a law enforcement target since his 1995 acquittal. Instead of leaving the public stage and quietly going about his business OJ has done television shows, written a controversial book entitled, If I Did It, This Is How It Happened. Clearly Simpson is not an arbiter of good taste. There is not a lot of love for OJ outside of perhaps his immediate family. Despite having been acquitted, many believe OJ got away with murdering his former wife Nicole Simpson and waiter Ron Goldman. The Goldman family went after him in civil court and prevailed. Unfortunately, they haven't collected a dime, but they have remained relentless.

One must question the motives of ex-convict Tom Riccio, who informed OJ that the memorabilia collectors in question, had stolen items belonging to OJ. Riccio who has since gotten immunity is the one who lead OJ into the hotel room and conveniently audio taped the break-in. Riccio then arranged to sell the audio tape to a couple of celebrity news outlets. No matter how you may feel about OJ, justice demands we ask why OJ is the one possibly facing 30 years to life and Riccio who set the whole thing up, getting immunity. It would appear that the prosecution is being over zealous.

OJ is a big trophy and they appear to be going after it tooth and nail. The district attorney is determined to get Simpson's head

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