O.J. Simpson’s lawyers are asking the Nevada Supreme Court to toss out the former football star’s conviction, saying that the judge who slapped him with what amounts to a life sentence was prejudiced and made several improper rulings during last year’s trial. In their 47-page appeal, Simpson’s attorneys argue that Clark County, Nev., District Judge Jackie Glass exercised a “cumulative error that was so egregious and prejudicial that the defense could not get a fair trial.” Read more.

New team, old tricks for Allen Iverson. After vowing that he’d changed his ways at a news conference that introduced him as the newest Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson showed an old habit this week. The recently traded point guard missed a practice without being excused by the team. Pistons coach Michael Curry confirms that A.I. won’t start for Detroit in tonight’s game. He’ll be replaced in the starting line-up by Rodney Stuckey. Iverson also faces an undisclosed fine.

Stephon Marbury criticized after recent loss. The 14-point loss New York suffered this week after playing with just seven men has forward Quentin Richardson lashing out. The player blames guard Stephon Marbury, whose listing as inactive has kept him on the bench this season, but who sat out the game for a second time Wednesday after having a chance to play. Marbury earlier disputed reports that he’d been offered 30 minutes of playing time last week, saying he was told the decision wasn’t his. “He hasn’t played with us all year,” says Richardson. “Regardless of what you have going on with the organization or what you have going on with your coach or whatever, you’re not going to allow your teammates to be left out there the way we were basically being left out there.” Richardson says he doesn’t “look at Marbury as a teammate anyway.” Injuries and trade maneuvering have left the Knicks roster short in recent days.

Francisco Rodriguez to consider offers in Las Vegas. Record-setting pitcher Francisco Rodriguez will start testing the team market in Las Vegas at winter meetings on Dec. 8, says his agent. K-Rod, who had a best-ever save total of 62 games for the Los Angeles Angels, wants a five-year contract of about $15 million a season. The New York Mets, who K-Rod’s agent says he plans to address, are among candidates to become the pitcher’s new team.

Will O.J. Escape Prison Again?

A jury could decide whether O.J. Simpson spends the rest of his life in prison as soon as Friday. Simpson and co-defendant C.J. Stewart return to a Las Vegas courtroom this morning after prosecutors rested their case on charges that Simpson led a robbery and kidnapping against two memorabilia dealers last year. Simpson says that he only went to reclaim family photos and souvenirs from his stellar sports career that had been stolen from him. But prosecutors allege that he and Stewart forcibly held the collectors in a hotel room with help from four other men who’ve all accepted plea bargains, in exchange for testifying against Simpson. So far, defense testimony this week has included the words of a Vegas cop who says Simpson cooperated with the investigation, even volunteering his personal cell phone number. If closing arguments are given this week, it could mark the second time that a jury considers the ex-football star’s fate. He was acquitted of a double-homicide involving his ex-wife in 1994.

Singer’s re-location no thriller for neighbors. Singer Michael Jackson’s new choice of address in Las Vegas is creating some concern. Though he was acquitted of child sexual abuse in 2003, Jackson’s reputation for sleepovers and keeping company with juveniles still haunts him: Parents have expressed concern that the superstar lives down the street from Wasden Elementary School now that classes have begun. Jackson actually moved into the residence late last year, but drew recent attention when fans outside the house serenaded him for his birthday last month. Jackson’s security team sent pizza to the fans.

Rap publication not going out of business. Recently photographed eviction notices on the door of Source magazine’s Manhattan offices are misleading, say spokespersons for the publication. The long-time rap rag is only moving and severing ties with a previous staff, reps say. Long held by fans as a leading authority on hip hop, Source has helped launched the careers of many of today’s biggest rap stars.

40/40 in Las Vegas could expand.

Rap superstar Jay-Z’s Las Vegas 40/40 Club is rumored to be at the center of talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. for a possible buy-in. The 40/40 Club could bring Jigga even more millions if a 50 percent stake in the company is sold. The Sands agreement would reportedly let the casino corporation open 40/40 Clubs in Europe and also expand the U.S. nightspot.

Lil’ Wayne to return his ring.

Lil’ Wayne has come to terms with a New Orleans jeweler who says the rapper snagged a $138,000 diamond ring and a $32,000 necklace – but only paid $24,000 for the bling. Weezy, who was sued by the jeweler, has reportedly agreed to return the ring and pay an agreed-upon balance to settle the debt. The sale took place last October. The jeweler’s lawsuit was filed this year.