O.J. Simpson trial: Quote of the Day

By Melissa Arseniuk (contact)

Published Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 | 1:42 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 | 6:03 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

"I'm surprised you haven’t seen my head spin around and fire come out of my mouth at this point in this trial, let me just tell you all that."-- District Court Judge Jackie Glass, after state witness, Metro detective Andy Caldwell, nearly forced a mistrial during his third visit to the witness stand. It was thought that Caldwell said the defense's main witness, Tom Scotto, attempting to tamper with state witnesses during the preliminary hearing and was was kicked out of the courtroom. Simpson's lawyers said Caldwell wasn't even at the preliminary hearing when the alleged incident took place. They also said Judge Joe Bonaventure, who presided over the preliminary hearing, didn’t force anyone out of his courtroom at any point. Upon a review of the detective's testimony, however, the court realized that the detective actually said Mrs. Scotto, not Mr. Scotto. She did not testify in the trial, so the controversial allegations suddenly became a moot point.

Monday, Sept. 29

"... And I’m objecting to everything. We’re done. Sit down. Everybody’s done. Sit down. We’re done."-- District Court Judge Jackie Glass, after apparently hearing one too many objections.

Friday, Sept. 26

"One thing I like about Vegas: It's like New Orleans."-- unattributed voice on the audio recording Michael McClinton secretly took at the Palms during a meeting with O.J. Simpson, Walter Alexander, Charles Ehrlich and others the night following the alleged robbery. Stewart was not included in the discussion.

Thursday, Sept. 25

"I've seen walk-in closets bigger than that room."-- Alfred Beardsley, about the $35-a-night hotel room where he and fellow memorabilia dealer Bruce Fromong were confronted by O.J. Simpson and six other men last year. Thomas Riccio rented the room; Beardsley stayed at Binion's Horseshoe Hotel & Casino.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

"To ask him how religious a pimp really is."-- Simpson’s attorney Gabriel Grasso, about what he really, really wanted to ask State witness Walter Alexander. While Alexander told the court he makes his living doing real estate, the defense alleged Alexander's real business is in what's commonly known as "the world’s oldest profession." Judge Jackie Glass prohibited lawyers from asking him about his other sources of income.

Tuesday, Sept. 23

"Like all the other witnesses in this case?"-- Judge Jackie Glass, in response to O.J. Simpson's lawyer, Yale Galanter's, warning that possible State witness, David Cook, has a hard time staying on-topic and not interjecting personal opinions into his testimony.

Monday, Sept. 22

"I think I introduced you to your first girlfriend ... (and) you gave my girlfriend a job at your law firm."-- Charles Ehlrich, explaining just how well he and Simpson's attorney, Yale Galanter, know each other. Ehlrich is a witness for the prosecution and will testify against his friend's client. The two said they have not discussed details of the case.

Friday, Sept. 19

"It's like seeing a diamond in a pile of coal." -- Thomas Riccio, about seeing rare and valuable memorabilia like the items Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley brought with them to the Palace Station hotel on Sept.13, 2007.

Thursday, Sept. 18

"If it involves O.J. Simpson, it's not good publicity." -- Thomas Riccio, who sold his share of Universal Rarities, a Corona, Calif.-based collectibles warehouse, after being involved in the O.J. Simpson robbery/kidnapping scandal last year.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

"He was very interested in telling me a long, drawn-out story." -- Metro Police detective Andy Caldwell, about his first conversation with Thomas Riccio.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

"It wasn't a question about money. ... I didn’t want any money back for them. I believe those items belong to Mr. Simpson’s family. They should go to his kids. ... If he had talked with me and discussed it, we would have come to some arrangement." -- Bruce Fromong, about not wanting to profit from the Simpson memorabilia.

Monday, Sept. 15

"They’re more than deal makers. They’re hustlers. ... They have said that they will sell their testimony, slant the truth for money and want to get paid." -- Defense attorney Yale Galanter, about the three memorabilia dealers expected to testify for the prosecution.