In the early hours of the morning, one of America's most famous inmates started a new chapter of his life as a free man.
O.J. Simpson, who came to fame as a running back in the National Football League before acting in the Naked Gun comedy series, left prison today after serving 9 years for kidnapping and armed robbery. Simpson was originally sentenced to serve 33 years, but was granted parole in July.
Simpson's troubles with the law first came to light in 1995, when he was charged with murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson pleaded not guilty, and was acquitted after a closely-followed case that was dubbed "the Trial of the Century."
While he walked away a free man, Simpson had a second run-in with the law in 2007. He was one of a group of men who stole sports memorabilia at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson later claimed the memorabilia was his, and that he was taking them back.
Simpson was found guilty of ten charges, including two counts of 1st degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon. Simpson apologized for his role in the robbery at his parole hearing earlier this year.
But what is in store for O.J. now that he's a free man? It turns out Simpson has already shared some details of his plan for life after prison...
On his way out of the Nevada Department of Corrections building, an officer told Simpson "Don't come back," and he replied "I don't intend to."
Simpson, carrying a few boxes of his possessions including prison shower slippers and a hot plate, was then picked up by a close friend. It was an uneventful start to Simpson's life as a parolee, and that's just how Simpson wants it.
In his parole release plan, Simpson told the Nevada parole board he plans to live in Las Vegas. Sources tell CNN that Simpson will be living in a gated suburb with his close friends until he can move to Florida, where two of his children live.
Tom Scotto, a close friend of Simpson's who attended his parole hearing this summer, says that the former NFL player will "focus on kids, friends, his family and golf." Adding that Simpson is "not going to hide."
Simpson will live with a number of restrictions because of the conditions of his parole. He can't associate with anyone who has a criminal record, possess guns or drugs, or drink alcohol in excess. Violating any of these conditions could mean going back to jail.
Simpson's friends also say the disgraced NFL star plans to buy an iPhone, which was just being released when he went to jail.
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[H/T: CNN]
