The Associated Press

Tue, Oct 7, 2008 (2:45 p.m.)

Legal analysts say O.J. Simpson's lawyers face long odds to convince an appeals court that the former football star was a victim of racial prejudice and payback for his murder acquittal.

But they also say there might be other grounds for a new trial.

Most say the 61-year-old Simpson's future depends partly on whether his lawyers can prove his 1995 acquittal in the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend affected the jury in his Las Vegas trial.

The Las Vegas jury convicted Simpson and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart of kidnapping, armed robbery and 10 other charges in a September 2007 hotel confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers.

The two face up to life in prison at sentencing December fifth.