Smithsonian Says "No thanks" to Simpson, Found Dead Behind Air and Space Museum

When in doubt, it's hard to go wrong with Orenthal. Just a little filler to tide you over until the CAA Tournament starts at noon.

Smithsonian turns down suit worn by OJ Simpson

LOS ANGELES – What O.J. Simpson wore when he was acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife and her friend was the suit seen around the world during one of the most watched televised moments in history.

But the Smithsonian Institution, America's repository of historical artifacts, rejected it Tuesday as inappropriate for their collection.

Announcement of the museum's snub came the morning after a California judge approved the donation as the solution to a 13-year court battle over the carefully tailored tan suit, white shirt and yellow and tan tie. The ensemble has been held by Simpson's former sports agent, Mike Gilbert...

...The Smithsonian announced its decision with a terse announcement on its Web site.
"The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will not be collecting O.J. Simpson's suit," it said. "The decision was made by the museum's curators together with the director."

Gilbert, who has the suit in storage, said he was disappointed with the decision. "Whether we like it or not, it's part of American history," he said. "I'm disappointed that they didn't wait to hear from me and consider my vision of how it should be displayed."

Attorney Ronald P. Slates, who represents Simpson, said he's keeping his client informed about the donation effort. Superior Court Judge Joseph S. Biderman consulted Simpson by phone Monday, then approved Gilbert's plan after Simpson said he would agree as long as no one made any money.

"I'm saddened by the fact that the foremost museum in America has refused this very important item in the history of American jurisprudence," Slates said. "Regardless of one's feelings about Mr. Simpson, his acquittal by a jury of his peers on Oct. 3, 1995 was of great significance and is widely talked about to this day."

Well said, Mr. Slates. We admire your sense of perspective and tenacity in pursuit of justice for O.J.'s suit. We know you won't rest until it joins Monica Lewinski's blue dress in history's walk-in closet.