O.J. Simpson talks CTE fears, Trump, Kaepernick

O.J. Simpson believes he may suffer from CTE.

The Hall of Fame running back discussed his health, among other topics, in a wide-ranging interview with Tim Graham of the Buffalo News - the first extensive discussion since his release from prison in September.

Keeping mostly to the subject of football, Simpson spoke openly, but then had trouble recalling a stat.

"That's my CTE kicking in," he said to Graham.

Noted forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu said in 2016 he believed Simpson suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy to the extent that he'd bet his medical license on it.

"Well, I don't know," Simpson responded when asked directly if he had CTE. "I feel all right. But I have days when I can't ... I lose words, and I can't come up with a simple word. I can't remember a phone number, so forget that."

The 70-year-old said he has friends, former players, who have it "full-bore."

"It is horrible to see," he said.

"I know with me, I have days I can't find words. I literally cannot find words or the name of somebody I know. That gets a little scary. Those days happen when I'm tired."

Simpson, a Buffalo Bill for nine seasons, also discussed Donald Trump's failed bid to buy the franchise and Colin Kaepernick's protests during the national anthem.

Simpson called Trump a former friend, "fun guy," and "man's man." He also had this to say about Kaepernick:

"I think Colin made a mistake," he said. "I really appreciate what he was trying to say. I thought he made a bad choice in attacking the flag.

" ... I would always stand for the flag."