The reason you haven't seen me on the tennis court lately is that I've been busy with jury duty. I have been called to judge the O.J. Simpson case in the court of public opinion - the most powerful judicial body in the land.
The role of a public opinion juror is to sit in front of the TV set surrounded by newspapers and listen to all the evidence as presented by TV commentators, paid eyewitnesses and legal experts on talk shows.I have been very conscientious about my duties as a jury member. I have viewed O.J. in handcuffs 3,457 times, O.J. being chased by police down the freeway 4,344 times, O.J. in his Bronco in front of his house 2,340 times, O.J. pleading not guilty in court hundreds of times.
Thanks to all the shows I have also had an opportunity to hear the 911 tapes of Nicole Simpson and read about O.J.'s fits of rage over and over again.
This is all convincing, but we the jury need new evidence every day if we are to arrive at a fair judgment. That's why I was pleased as punch when F. Lee Bailey and Alan Dershowitz joined the defense. Both respected lawyers have never refused to be on television.
As a dutiful juror I have given tremendous time to the radio talk shows. The people calling in know it all, and my job has been to listen attentively to what a person in Austin, Texas, or Nome, Alaska, says about what really happened in Brentwood, Calif.
As a viewer I have been very much involved in sifting through the TV evidence.
One thing I have enjoyed is how the lawyers for both sides have used the media. Every time they read something they don't like they call a press conference complaining that the media are interfering with their case.
The joke is that if the media didn't turn out in such large numbers the lawyers would have no one to complain to.
The fact that the networks canceled all their regular shows to cover the preliminary hearings convinces me that there is more to this case than anyone is prepared to admit. Since I don't understand any of their legal arguments, I make my decisions according to which lawyer is better dressed.
I admire Bob Shapiro, although I don't think that he's in the same class as F. Lee Bailey when it comes to clothes. I don't like Alan Dershowitz's haircut, but he would probably have my vote if he shaved off his mustache.
District Attorney Gil Garcetti has a likable homespun face and, besides, anyone who attempts to convict a person on television is my kind of guy.
Some people may argue that even a former sports hero such as O.J. should have his day in court. With the evidence that's been presented, how could a jury sworn in by the state come to a different verdict from the one already arrived at by all of us who watch the evening news?