If freed, O.J. needs to shun spotlight

When O.J. Simpson leaves prison for the first time in almost a decade, possibly as early as Oct. 1, he will no doubt have a list of things he wants to do.

See his children. Reconnect with friends. Play golf. Figure out why people are making themselves look like dogs, mice and pieces of bread in photos on smartphones that will disappear in 24 hours. Figure out why anyone would take a photo only to have it disappear in 24 hours, for that matter.

Actually, that last bit might be instructive.

Simpson’s release from prison — his parole hearing in Nevada on Thursday is considered some- thing of a formality — will produce a spectacle unlike anything we’ve seen since he went behind bars. He’s been a national obsession for the better part of a quarter-century now, these past nine years the closest there’s been to a respite, and his release from prison will renew the rabid curiosity.

Has his time behind bars changed him? Does Simpson, who turned 70 on July 9, look different? Is he repentant? Humbled? What does he have to say now about the murders of his exwife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman?

It might be tempting, both financially and psychologically, to indulge the hype. A few months back, there was even speculation he could land a reality TV show.

It also would be the worst possible thing he could do.

Instead of courting the spotlight, Simpson needs to disappear. Walk out of prison, head straight for an SUV with tinted