Co-Defendant: O.J. Said to Bring Guns to Meeting

LAS VEGAS – O.J. Simpson wanted armed men with him when he confronted two sports memorabilia dealers, according to a co-defendant who has agreed to a plea deal agreed to testify for the prosecution in the armed robbery case.

"O.J. said 'Hey, just bring some firearms,"' Walter Alexander told police in a transcript of his tape-recorded statement obtained by The Associated Press.

Alexander told police after his arrest Sept. 15 that he and another man showed up with guns at the former football star's request, then headed with him into a casino hotel room to retrieve collectibles that Simpson said belonged to him.

"He said ... 'we won't have to use 'em, but ... just to look tough, you know, so that these people know that, you know, we're here for business,"' Alexander said.

Simpson has denied guns were involved.

If Alexander's assertion turns out to be true, "it hurts O.J. tremendously," Edward Miley, lawyer for co-defendant Charles Cashmore, said Wednesday.

Cashmore also has agreed to a plea deal.