The Associated Press is reporting that O.J. Simpson has been granted parole on some of his 2008 convictions for the kidnapping and armed robbery of two sports-memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel room. But the former football great won't be released anytime soon. He still has to serve at least four more years on other charges whose sentences are running consecutively.
The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners released its decision in favor of Simpson's parole request Wednesday. Commissioners noted Simpson's "positive institutional record" and his participation in programs addressing "behavior that led to incarceration."
"We expected it," Patricia Palm, one of Simpson's current lawyers, told The Associated Press shortly after the order was issued. "There is no reason not to grant him parole. I'm glad they did what they should have done."
Palm said Simpson called from prison to let her know of the board's decision.
"He's very happy and grateful," she said.
The parole becomes effective Oct. 2. Then, Simpson will begin serving the minimum term on four concurrent sentences imposed for using a weapon during the 2007 robbery. He will have another parole hearing on those sentences in a year.
Read more at the Associated Press.