A memorabilia collector was ordered Tuesday to turn over O.J. Simpson’s press credentials from the 1984 Olympics in another tiny step toward satisfying a $33.5 million award in a lawsuit that found Simpson liable for the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend.
The order was issued after a closed-door court hearing to determine whether Simpson is hiding assets from the family of Ron Goldman, who was slain with Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994.
Alfred Beardsley, a real estate agent and collector, was questioned by attorney Peter Csato, who represents Goldman’s father, Fred. Superior Court Judge Gerald Rosenberg then ordered Beardsley to turn over the press credentials, which Simpson wore as an Olympics commentator for ABC-TV, by Dec. 14.
It was unclear how much the Olympic press credentials were worth, but Csato said outside court that Beardsley told them about “other tangible properties of substantive value” belonging to Simpson that Beardsley may be able to lead them to. Csato declined to elaborate.
A criminal court jury acquitted Simpson of murder charges in 1995 after a televised trial that captivated the nation.
In 1997, Goldman’s parents and estate, along with Nicole Brown Simpson’s estate, were awarded $33.5 million in judgments after a civil jury found Simpson liable for the deaths, but the money has gone largely unpaid.
Michael Brewer, an attorney representing Goldman’s mother, said he and Csato believe Simpson is earning undisclosed income from autograph signings that should go toward meeting the judgment.
Brewer said Ron Goldman’s parents have collected only about $500,000 through an auction of property seized at Simpson’s former home in Los Angeles, and most of that had to be used for attorney’s fees and other expenses. Simpson, who now lives in Florida, has an NFL pension and an annuity, both of which cannot be touched, Brewer said.
“I think there’s been some information that Mr. Simpson may not have been above board in relation to his business assets,” Brewer said outside court.
Simpson, on his way to play golf, reacted with anger when asked about the allegations.
“I’ve said this so many times, I’ve said it to Fred’s face in debtor hearings: ’If I have to work to pay them, I won’t work,”’ Simpson told WSVN-TV in Miami on Tuesday. “It’s that simple. So I’ll just play golf every day.”
