Prison official: Simpson won’t get special treatment

By Cy Ryan

Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 | 4:43 p.m.

O.J. Simpson will be treated like any other inmate in the state prison system, said Howard Skolnik, director of the Nevada Department of Corrections.

The former football star and actor, who was sentenced to at least nine years in prison today, will first undergo three weeks of classification at the High Desert State Prison in Southern Nevada before being transferred to the prison where he will serve his sentence.

Skolnik said the prison that will house Simpson long term won't be disclosed until Nevada's most famous inmate arrives.

Suzanne Pardee, public information officer for the Department of Corrections, said that like every other inmate, Simpson will be examined for health needs, undergo psychiatric examinations and have his criminal record examined.

Officials will also determine if he has enemies or gang affiliations.

Pardee said Simpson will be placed in a single cell.

“We do due diligence to protect him as we do other inmates,” said Pardee.

But Simpson “will receive no special treatment that glorifies him."