OJ SIMPSON was paid for his scrapped book and TV show IF I DID IT - and has already spent the money. The former American footballer was signed by News Corporation to write the book and appear in a two-part TV interview on the Fox network to describe how he would hypothetically have killed his ex-wife NICOLE SIMPSON and her friend RONALD GOLDMAN - crimes he was acquitted of at a criminal trial but held responsible for by a civil suit. The project was axed after public outcry and a barrage of criticism.

But Simpson insists he has still picked up his paycheque - reportedly $3.5 million (#1.95 million) - and has already reaped the financial benefit. He says, "Would everybody stop being so naive? Of course I got paid. I spend the money on my bills. It's gone."

Copyright 2006 WENN