LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Golf clubs, a vehicle, driver's license and Heisman Trophy that belonged to O.J. Simpson could soon be hitting the auction block.
On Friday, district court probate commissioner James Fontaro ruled the former NFL star's estate can auction off those belongings in order to raise money to pay off debts.
"We're in a unique situation. Normally, the personal property of the decedent doesn't have much value but given the notoriety of the decedent, these items are potentially imbued with additional value that would be of benefit to creditors and other interested parties," said Thomas Grover, who represents Simpson estate attorney Malcolm LaVergne. "The estate itself probably doesn't have very much in it. We're still in initial stages here but it looks like if there's going to be anything that goes to the creditors, it depends on the dollar. Nonetheless, Mr. LaVergne is committed to maximizing the value of the estate, which is why we presented this petition."
WATCH FULL COURT HEARING: O.J. Simpson's estate granted permission to auction off memorabilia
The entire scope of items being auctioned off is unclear. However, Grover said the estate is already "beginning the process to auction the items soon."
It's also unclear how much money the Simpson estate owes. When looking at debts the estate has to pay, LaVergne previously told Channel 13 that includes:
- Paying LaVergne as executor of the estate
- Reimbursing funeral expenses
- Paying medical expenses
- Paying any unpaid child support or alimony
- Paying IRS debt
- Paying money owed for Medicaid benefits
- Paying wages for anyone Simpson employed in the any capacity for the last three months of his life
"[Fred] Goldman is number eight," LaVergne explained. "Anyone else who's making a general claim that they didn't get paid on a judgment against Simpson while he was alive, they come in at number nine."
While Simpson was found not guilty of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in the criminal trial, a court did find him liable in the civil trial and ruled he should pay the victims' families $33.5 million, an amount the families claim hasn't been fully paid.
That amount is even bigger now because according to California law, interest is added and doubles every decade it goes unpaid.
On Thursday, Ron's father, Fred, filed a creditor claim in district court for $117 million against Simpson's estate. Documents state that number comes from three renewed judgments against Simpson from 2015, 2016, 2017 as well as interest. The documents also state that the claim amount will continue adding interest at a daily rate of over $26,000 until it is paid.
Fred Goldman's creditor claim against O.J. Simpson estate by jarah.wright on Scribd
Michaelle Raffery is the lead attorney for Goldman and said the family does not object to the auction since it can raise money to pay that debt. She said LaVergne was obligated to give notice about the intended auction houses, assets and opening bid prices.
"We'll look it over and we'll have two weeks to object," she explained.
Both sides are expected to be back in court next month.
Simpson died from prostate cancer in April.
WATCH: In April, Simpson's estate lawyer shared more about what his will and what will happen next
