Reactions abound as Nevada officials granted parole to former football star O.J. Simpson Thursday. The Nevada Parole Board verdict clears the way for Simpson’s release after nearly nine years of his 33 year sentence elapsed. Although acquitted in his 19-95 murder trial, Simpson was sentenced to prison on armed robbery and kidnapping charges in 20-08. According to CBS News, while Commissioner Tony Corda stated that Simpson had committed a “serious crime, and there was no excuse for it,” he still voted in favor of parole based on evidence that Simpson complied with prison rules and has no prior conviction among other items. Similar to the aftermath of the murder trial verdict, responses from the public are polarized. While one of the robbery victims ended up supporting Simpson in his petition for parole, those affected by the earlier murder trial are apprehensive as to how this new ruling will affect them. Simpson is scheduled for release as early as October 1st. ~ Sarah Schutte