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O.J. Simpson Won't Be Invited to USC Practices, Functions

Simpson was a guest at a USC practice in Florida before the 2003 Orange Bowl

O.J. Simpson won't be invited to watch practice or take part in any official functions at his alma mater this fall following his release from prison.

The Los Angeles Times reports Southern California head coach Clay Helton told reporters at Pac-12 media days Thursday the school has decided against welcoming back the former Heisman Trophy winner. But Helton adds that he would be "cordial" to Simpson if he met him.

Simpson was a guest at a USC practice in Florida before the 2003 Orange Bowl.

Simpson is set to be paroled in October after spending nine years in a Nevada prison on a robbery conviction.

Simpson was acquitted in 1995 of the killings of his ex-wife and her friend, but later found liable for their deaths in a civil suit.

Simpson transferred to USC as a junior in 1967. He competed in track for the university before joining the football team in the fall. According to the Heisman Trust, Simpson led the nation in rushing with 1,543 yards as a junior. That year, he scored 13 touchdowns to help lead USC to a 10-1 record and the national title, according to the site.

In his senior year, Simpson carried the ball an NCAA-record 334 times and earned a record margin of points to receive the Heisman trophy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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