O.J. Simpson Reportedly Placed in Prison Protection After Parole Granted

Prison officials at the Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada reportedly moved former NFL running back O.J. Simpson into confined housing Thursday after he was granted parole after serving nine years of a 33-year maximum sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas. 

On Friday, a Lovelock representative confirmed to TMZ Sports that Simpson was removed from the general population to ensure his safety from "opportunists" looking to harm him before his release from the facility, which could occur as early as Oct. 1.

"It's in the best interest of O.J. and the prison to make sure that he's safe and comes out in one piece," the prison representative said.

TMZ also reported Simpson didn't request the special protection after the hearing nor did the prison receive a "specific threat" about him being targeted in the coming months.

Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated noted the 70-year-old Pro Football Hall of Fame member will be under numerous guidelines following his release, including blood and breath tests, being subject to reasonable cause searches and an inability to possess weapons.

Simpson maintained celebrity status following his retirement from the NFL after the 1979 season as an actor and product endorser. His trial for the murders of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman drew worldwide attention before his acquittal in 1995.

The story has remained a popular focus of documentary makers and television executives, as illustrated by the recent popularity of O.J.: Made in America and The People v. O.J. Simpson.

Meanwhile, Darren Rovell of ESPN.com estimated Simpson made over $600,000 during his time in prison through his NFL pension.