O.J. Simpson’s Advice for Bill Cosby: Watch Your Back
Bill Cosby is in jail. That seemed insanely unlikely to happen even after he was found guilty of sexual assault. Right up until he was sentenced, it seemed likely Cosby might be given house arrest or be allowed out on bail while he appealed the conviction, but he wasn’t, and he’s in jail right now.
Cosby will have more amenities than you might be expecting, as Fox News reported he’ll be able to buy things such as a TV for his single-occupancy room.
“Of course, Mr. Cosby will be able to receive commissary as well for snacks and things of that sort,” she said.
“And yes, inmates are allowed to have a television – though at this point in the classification, Mr. Cosby won’t be able to buy his own TV yet,” continues Worden. “Once he’s been classified he’ll be able to buy a television and snacks.”
Of course, there’s other inmates to consider, and O.J. Simpson, who just got out of prison, gave TMZ his advice for Cosby.
“The problem is the nature of the crime,” O.J. said while golfing out in Nevada … “Rapists are frowned upon in prison.”
“I’m sure there will be guys protecting him but they’re gonna have to put him in protective custody … because it takes one nut, ya know?”
O.J. said he didn’t follow the trial, but didn’t agree with the decision to put Cosby in lock up.
“With his health and his age and the nature of the crime, there’s not a warden in this country wants the responsibility of a Bill Cosby. I think they should let him do his time under house arrest.”
Cosby’s condition does raise a question of whether or not putting him in prison serves the cause of justice and not just revenge. I’m not convinced that giving victims of crimes closure is a valid reason for any particular punishment, and Cosby is unlikely to reoffend at this point. The one valid argument, and it’s up to you whether you find it convincing, is putting people in prison even in circumstances such as Cosby’s sends a message that you can’t escape punishment for your crimes, and that could have a deterrent effect on other potential criminals.
This is not to say I have much sympathy for Cosby, I really don’t, but looked at through a lens of what’s in the interest of society and what serves justice as opposed to what makes us feel good, it’s an issue that’s open for debate and for which multiple valid opinions exist.
