O.J. Simpson Brought Guns in Purpose?

Thu, 18 October 2007 22:14:28 ET

O.J. Simpson Brought Guns in Purpose?
O.J. Simpson told his accomplices to bring guns when confronting two sports memorabilia dealers, his co-defendant has claimed. Walter Alexander - who was with the former American footballer when he tried to forcefully reclaim his own sports memorabilia from official dealers in a Las Vegas hotel room last month - says Simpson was keen for them to be armed.

Alexander - who has agreed to a plea-deal and will now testify for the prosecution - told police: "O.J. said, 'Hey, just bring some firearms.' He said, 'We won't have to use them, but just to look tough, you know, so that these people know that we're here for business.' "

Simpson, Alexander and four other men were charged with 10 felony counts of armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, burglary, and conspiracy for allegedly stealing $80,000 worth of memorabilia. Simpson - also faces a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit a crime - has denied guns were involved. His lawyer Yale Galanter said: "There was no reason for Mr. Simpson to tell anyone to bring guns. He was going to see people he knew. Alexander was negotiating for a get-out-jail-free card when he gave his statement."