O.J. Simpson is recovering in his jail cell after doctors removed parts of swollen lymph nodes from under his armpit to determine if he has cancer.
Dr. Robert Huizenga said Simpson, who also has been suffering from drenching night sweats the past few weeks, will be closely monitored at the Men's Central Jail, where he is being held without bail."This includes regular nursing checks and proper hygiene including a clean cell and fresh linen," Huizenga said in a statement Thursday.
Simpson, 47, is charged with murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, 35, and her friend Ronald Goldman, 25. Trial is set for Sept. 19. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Superior Court Judge Lance Ito was to decide Friday whether to grant the media access to crime scene photographs and transcripts of secret conferences during the preliminary hearing.
Two reporters, from the Los Angeles Times and USA Today, gave sworn affidavits Thursday stating they couldn't fully understand testimony at Simpson's preliminary hearing because they were barred from viewing crime scene photos.
Simpson isn't due back in court until a status hearing Wednesday.
The former football star was shuttled before dawn Thursday from his jail cell to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, known as the "hospital to the stars" because it is popular among celebrities.
Huizenga performed a lymph node biopsy on Simpson's right armpit.
"He had an uncomplicated recovery," Huizenga said.
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin can indicate the presence of viral or bacterial infection or more serious diseases such as AIDS, cancer or Hodgkin's disease.
Earlier tests on Simpson ruled out AIDS or other infectious causes. Simpson has a family history of cancer, Huizenga said.
Other developments:
- The California Department of Consumer Affairs sent letters to Simpson's investigators Thursday telling them to stop working unless they have California licenses or can prove exceptions to the license requirement, a source told the AP.
A lawyer for the detectives said they have not violated the law and will comply with state regulations.
- Shapiro said he planned to appeal to the president of Fox Broadcasting Co. to delay the Sept. 13 broadcast of its TV movie "The O.J. Simpson Story" until after the trial.
- The sports film company Sports Legends Inc. has filed a $1 million lawsuit in Philadelphia against Michael Jordan and his agent, contending that Jordan is blocking reuse of a 1987 interview with Simpson.
The interview was originally broadcast in 1987 on the syndicated TV series "Greatest Sports Legends."