LOCAL : O.J. Pleads No Contest in Beating

Former pro football star O. J. Simpson pleaded no contest today to charges he beat his wife during a New Year’s Day argument at their Brentwood home, allegedly shouting “I’ll kill you!� as he slapped and kicked her.

Simpson’s lawyer, Howard Weitzman, entered the no-contest plea to one charge of spousal battery in West Los Angeles Superior Court, city attorney’s office spokesman Mike Qualls said. Simpson did not appear in court. The Heisman Trophy winner faces up to one year in County Jail and a fine of $1,000 when he is sentenced Wednesday.