In a story so bizarre it must be true, The National Enquirer is claiming that O.J. Simpson is pleading with Cuban leader Fidel Castro to let him move to the Socialist island nation, which has no extradition treaty with the US. O.J. hopes to escape prosecution for multiple charges including kidnapping and armed robbery stemming from a September 16 raid of a Vegas Hotel room of memorabilia O.J. believed belonged to him. Three of O.J.’s five accomplices have testified against him and accepted plea deals, but O.J. has pled not guilty and will go to trial with the other two guys that accompanied him. He could face decades in jail.

O.J. got away with double murder and he doesn’t think he should have to face the music for this crime, either, so he’s trying to get Castro to let him come to Cuba, where he believes he will be “treated like a king.”

“O.J. has had many sleepless nights planning his escape,” an insider revealed.

“He vows he will never let them put him in prison.

“Weeks ago, he started asking friends about countries that do not have extradition treaties with the United States. Cuba was mentioned – and O.J.’s eyes lit up.

“There’s no way they can get me outta there,” he declared. “In fact, Castro would treat me like a king!”

Disclosed the insider: “Simpson wrote to the communist leader that it would be a great opportunity for Castro to laugh in the face of U.S. leaders, something O.J. is certain Castro would enjoy.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, November 26, 2007]

The article goes on to claim that O.J. wants to move to Cuba even if he escapes jail in the U.S. because he thinks that he’s hounded here. He is also said to believe that the Feds have his phones tapped and that he’s being followed constantly.

If the folks at the National Enquirer made this one up I’d be surprised and would have to give them credit for originality. I doubt O.J. will be welcomed by Castro. The aging leader of Cuba seems like he has more important things to do than pardon stupid O.J.