LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Nevada Supreme Court denied O.J. Simpson's request Friday to be let out of prison pending the appeal of his conviction in a gunpoint heist in a Las Vegas hotel room.
A three-judge panel that heard oral arguments Aug. 3 concluded Simpson and convicted co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart didn't meet what the court called the "heavy burden" required to be allowed to post bail.
Simpson and Stewart were convicted of kidnapping and robbing two sports memorabilia dealers in September 2007.
Simpson lawyer Malcolm LaVergne in Las Vegas said he was disappointed with the ruling and had not yet been able to notify the former NFL star of the decision.
Stewart's lawyer, Brent Bryson, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
LaVergne said he and Simpson lawyer Yale Galanter in Miami will consider whether to seek a rehearing before the full seven-member court.
"Here, appellant was convicted of serious, nonprobationable, violent offenses committed with the use of a firearm," justices Michael Cherry, Nancy Saitta and Mark Gibbons said in their unanimous ruling.
The justices also pointed to Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass' finding that Simpson and Stewart posed a flight risk if released.
Clark County District Attorney David Roger called the ruling good news and said he was glad the court recognized "the magnitude of their decision and concurred with Judge Glass that these defendants pose a flight risk."
Simpson, 62, is serving nine to 33 years at Lovelock Correctional Center, 90 miles northeast of Reno.
Stewart, 55, is serving 7 1/2 to 27 years at High Desert State Prison in Indian Springs, about 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
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