SIMPSON CLAIMS INNOCENCE

O.J. Simpson pleaded innocent to the murder of his ex-wife and her friend today during his arraignment in Los Angeles. The former pro-football star spent a reportedly restless weekend in jail following the bizarre, nationally televised police chase that ended at Simpson's mansion. Defense attorney Robert Shapiro claimed today that Simpson was not fleeing the police when he failed to turn up for his arrest on Friday. Instead, he was headed to his ex-wife's grave, where he intended to take his own life. He was stopped, said Shapiro, by long-time friend Al Cowlings, who eventually drove Simpson home. "He is very depressed, exceedingly emotional," said Shapiro. He later added,"He has gotten encouragement and praise from the Rev. Billy Graham." Simpson has also got support from fans across the country. But some state lawmakers in New Jersey are less boosterish. They used the occasion of Simpson's arraignment to push for bills making spousal abuse a more serious crime.