OJ Takes the Stand

OJ Simpson did something today that he didn't do in his 1995 murder trial or in the 2008 trial that sent him to prison on robbery and kidnapping charges: He testified in his own defense. Simpson, now 65, is pushing for a new trial in the latter case, and he said in court today that he didn't know his two companions were bringing guns to their confrontation with memorabilia dealers in a hotel room, reports NBC News and AP.

“I would not have imagined in my wildest dreams that these guys would have guns," said Simpson, who added that he'd been drinking steadily before the incident at the hotel pool. "I had a joke: ‘My doctor says I should never have an empty glass’ is what I would tell the waitress." He also is making the case that he had a lousy legal team that, among other things, wouldn't let him take the stand. Simpson got nine to 33 years in the case and thus could die in prison if he doesn't win a new trial and acquittal. (More OJ Simpson stories.)