📄 Direct examination of Allen Cowlings by Michael Brewer (3 of 3) — Wednesday, May 15, 1996
Address:
C:\DEPT103\DEPOSITION\1996\MAY\15\DIRECT-EXAMINATION-OF-ALLEN-CO.DOC
TRIAL
▲ Day 29 of 31

Direct examination of Allen Cowlings by Michael Brewer (3 of 3)

Witness: Allen Cowlings
Examiner: Michael Brewer
Called by: Plaintiff • Date: Wednesday, May 15, 1996 • Utterances: 612
Mr. Brewer recrosses A.C. Cowlings on several fronts: the 1989 domestic violence incident and its aftermath, a confusing New York hotel episode where Simpson summoned Cowlings to mediate with Nicole, and the timeline of the Rose Bowl — which turns out to have been January 2nd, not the 1st, prompting Petrocelli to call USC's sports information office mid-deposition to confirm. The session also probes Cowlings' knowledge of a Kardashian-Schiller book collaboration and whether Cowlings ever discussed evidence locations with Simpson's inner circle, with Re repeatedly asserting privilege over those communications.
1

BY MR. BREWER:

2 Q:

Okay. And you did not question her because you believed that she was telling you the truth; correct?

3 MR. LEONARD:

Argumentative and same objections.

HE WITNESS: I was concerned about her well-being.

4

BY MR. BREWER:

5 A:

I was not happy with the situation. He was wrong.

6 Q:

And he was wrong because as you testified earlier you felt it was wrong for a men to hit a woman; true.

7 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

THEWITNESS: Any man to put his hand—

8 MR. LEONARD:

Lack of foundation.

9 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Any man to put his hand on a woman.

10

BY MR. BREWER:

11 Q:

So what Mr. Simpson did in connection with this '89 incident ran counter to what you believed was right v vis how a man should treat a woman; true?

12 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

13 ALLEN COWLINGS:

That's not how—I wouldn't treat a woman that way.

14

BY MR. BREWER:

15 A:

And as a result of this incident you said that you thought that Mr. Simpson was wrong, but did that change the nature of your relationship, that you were not as friendly with him, you didn't see him as often, anything of that nature?

16 A:

No. We cared about each other. I still had my great love. I just stopped going around because they were getting back together, it seemed like, and they had things, you know, to work out.

17 Q:

The less frequent visits to Rockingham with Nicole and Mr. Simpson, was that because of a change in your - feeling about Mr. Simpson or that you wanted to give them an opportunity to kind of sort out own problems?

18 A:

I felt bad for both of them, and I felt that they needed time to sort it out, whatever differences that they were having.

19 Q:

And when you state — Strike that.

When you made the sacrifice not to go to the Rose Bowl that evening in order to be available for Nicole, Mr. Simpson went to the Rose Bowl?

20 A:

It was not a sacrifice. I didn't feel like going.

21 Q:

Had you not planned to go to the Rose owl that day?

22 A:

I was planning on going. I have been to Rose Bowls before. I mean, one Rose Bowls like any other. It was no major thing that I had to go.

23 Q:

Would it be a fair statement to say that had this incident not occurred you probably would have gone to the Rose Bowl that evening?

24 A:

I probably would have—would have gone, yes.

25 Q:

And the principal reason why you did not go was because you wanted to be available for Nicole; true?

26 A:

I feel bad about the whole situation.

27 Q:

You felt bad enough that you didn't go to the Rose Bowl that evening; true?

28 A:

I didn't feel like going.

29 Q:

And Mr. Simpson did go; right?

30 A:

Yes, he did.

31 Q:

And how did you feel about that?

32 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

33 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I didn't give it any thought. O.J. did what he thought that he had to do.

34

BY MR. BREWER:

35 Q:

Did you think that it wasn't right given what had happened earlier that day that Mr. Simpson was at the Rose Bowl when his wife was at home with hat you have described as a—

36 A:

She didn't want to be bothered with him. And I guess the best thing for him to do was to be out of her sight, so instead of sitting there where he was all day, he chose to go to the Rose Bowl.

37 Q:

And so would it been a fair statement, then, other than this short period where you were staying away so that they could sort through the problems relative to the '89 incident, that your overall relationship with Mr. Simpson had not changed at all as a result of the '89 incident?

38 A:

It hadn't changed. I thought that the two them—He didn't hit me. Nicole forgave him. They went on with their lives.

39 Q:

Okay. And is there anything that you observed about their relationship that was different that you attributed to the '89 incident?

40 MR. LEONARD:

Wait a minute. Vague, calls for speculation, lack of foundation.

41 ALLEN COWLINGS:

It seemed like it was just as good times as any.

42

BY MR. BREWER:

43 Q:

So you didn't know—When you were around then and you made observations with respect to how they interacted together, you did not notice any major differences after the '89 incident that you attributed to that incident?

44 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, calls for speculation.

45 ALLEN COWLINGS:

They seemed very happy to me.

46

BY MR. BREWER:

47 MR. LEONARD:

Objection as to that.

48 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

49

BY MR. BREWER:

50 Q:

So after the incident occurred as far as you could tell when you were around then, you were never present where it was referred to or talked about in your presence; is that true?

51 A:

No.

52 Q:

That's true?

53 A:

No, it wasn't talked about in my presence.

54 Q:

When I say "that's true," that is true what I am saying?

55 A:

That's true.

56 Q:

Going back to your earlier statement that, you know, you may have had these feelings that Mr. Simpson was responsible early on, what was the basis for that statement?

57 A:

Probably what was coming out from the TV, the media.

58 Q:

And do you remember specifically what you heard that triggered a thought process that led you to conclude that Mr. Simpson may be responsible for Nicole's death?

59 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, calls for speculation.

60

BY MR. BREWER:

61 Q:

And excluding the time period that we have been talking about.

62 A:

The thought was on my mind. I never came to the conclusion that he had done it.

63 Q:

Okay. That's a good point. When you say the thought was on your mind, it was something that you thought was in the realm of possible explanations relative to her death?

64 A:

The things that were coming out over the media rose concern—put a thought in my mind.

65 Q:

Okay. And for example, you learned that blood was found at Rockingham; is that correct?

66 A:

I don't know whet I learned. There was a lot of stuff coming out.

Was there anything that stuck in your mind as being a significant piece of information that started the thought process going relative to your belief that Mr. Simpson may be responsible for the death of Nicole and Ron Goldman?

67 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, calls for speculation.

68 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

69

BY MR. BREWER:

70 Q:

So there is nothing in particular, it is just the combination of all of the information, nothing that you remember specifically thinking about?

71 A:

No.

72 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Argumentative.

73

BY MR. BREWER:

74 Q:

Did you also tell Cici that you thought that Mr. Simpson may have been responsible for Nicole's death?

75 A:

No.

76 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. That mis —Go ahead.

77 MR. PETROCELLI:

That's a question not a statement.

78

BY MR. BREWER:

79 Q:

Did you also make the statement to Robin hat you thought that Mr. Simpson may be responsible for Nicole's death but had since changed your mind?

80 A:

No.

81 Q:

Other than Cora Fischman is there anyone else that you have told about a belief that you thought Mr. Simpson at some point may have been responsible for Nicole's death?

82 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. I think that that mischaracterizes his testimony when you use the word "belief."

83 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

84

BY MR. BREWER:

85 Q:

In discussions with Nicole's friends have any of them asked you whether you thought Mr. Simpson killed Nicole?

86 A:

The only one I can remember is Coral

87 Q:

Okay. And that is what prompted the discussion that we have been talking about for the past couple of minutes, her asking you about your belief with respect to whether he killed Nicole?

88 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. "Prompted the discussion," vague.

89 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I didn't understand the question.

90

BY MR. BREWER:

91 Q:

Well, we are talking about a belief that you had or at least you thought it was a possibility that Mr. Simpson may have killed Nicole at some point; is that true?

92 A:

I told Cora that he didn't do it.

93 Q:

Okay. And that was in response to her asking you if you thought he did it?

94 A:

Right.

95 Q:

Now, in your discussions with Mr. Simpson's close friends, have any of those friends ever asked you whether you thought he did it?

96 A:

You are speaking of who? Q: Anyone. Joe Stellini?

97 A:

No.

98 Q:

Allen Austin? Any of people that you and Mr. Simpson had as common friends, have any of them at any point ever asked you, excluding this time period that is privileged, whether or not you thought Mr. Simpson killed Nicole?

99 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Compound.

100 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

101

BY MR. BREWER:

102 Q:

Have you had any discussions with any of the friends that were at the meeting with Mr. Shapiro regarding a knife that may have been used in connection with the murders?

103 A:

No.

Have you had any discussion with that same group of people with respect to clothing that Mr. Simpson may have been wearing at the time that the murders—

104 MR.LEONARD:

I am going to object. Can I get my objection in first.

105 MR.RE:

Sure. Go ahead.

106 MR.LEONARD:

Object as vague, lack of foundation.

107 MR.RE:

Is the question: Did you have discussions at this group meeting? Is that what the question is?

108 MR. BREWER:

No. At any time, excluding the relevant time period where there is a privileged being asserted.

109 MR.RE:

And the question is: Did he have a discussion with somebody who attended the meeting?

110 MR.BREWER:

Yes.

111 Q:

The people that were identified that he remembers being at this meeting with Mr. Shapiro, excluding the time period that you are asserting privilege, have you ever had a discussion with any of those individuals relative to the location of any clothes that Mr. Simpson may have been wearing at the time of the murders?

R.LEONARD: Objection. Vague, lack of foundation, compound, and calls for speculation.

112 MR.RE:

The other thing is if you are asking if he had any conversation with anybody at any time regarding clothes that Simpson may or may not have been wearing, he would have asserted a privilege to that independent of the time period.

In other words, if you are talking about potential evidence in the case, did he ever talk to any of these people about Simpson's clothes, he would assert a privilege to that regardless of the time period.

R.BREWER: You know, I am not going to belabor this. I just want to make sure I understand the point so I do not waste our time here.

113 Q:

For example, Jennifer Peace—

114 A:

You got to be joking.

115 Q:

—there was just a discussion with Mr. Cowlings concerning conversations he had with her with respect to the location of a knife, clothes that he may have been wearing, et cetera.

116 MR.RE:

That is what Jennifer Peace said?

R.BREWER: Right.

117 MR.RE:

That is not what he said.

R.BREWER: But he was asked about discussions with her wherein he said this to her at the deposition.

R.RE: But he said that never happened. So what I am saying to you is, you are asking him now was there an event where he spoke to somebody about that evidence, and I am telling you that he will assert the privilege to this. The other question was did you say this to Jennifer Peace, and he said no, I never said that to Jennifer Peace. There is no privilege to that.

118 MR.BREWER:

How about a question, did you tell Allen Austin—Did you have any discussions with Allen Austin with respect to the location of evidence, a question like that?

119 MR.LEONARD:

I am going to object to that question.

120 MR.BREWER:

You can object to it. I want to figure out what his position is.

121 MR.RE:

At this point - Jennifer Peace is a very different animal.

122 ALLEN COWLINGS:

It's a joke.

123 MR.BREWER:

I am not saying it is a joke. I am talking about the privilege. It is only the question I am concerned about.

124 MR.RE:

The reason we let him go ahead with regard to Jennifer Peace is because that is one of the areas that he said at the very beginning of the deposition he wanted to clear up and testify about. When we are talking about anybody else, asking anybody in general or in specific did you talk about the evidence in the case, he is going to assert a privilege to that.

125 MR. BREWER:

Okay.

126 MR. RE:

Okay.

127

BY MR. BREWER:

128 Q:

On the morning of the 12th you were called to Rockingham by Arnelle, and when you got to Rockingham did you notice whether anyone who was there—sorry—the 13th, the police officers, Arnelle, Kato, anyone had any cuts or was bleeding at any time?

129 A:

I don't know. I didn't notice.

130 Q:

And you weren't, as far as you knew; correct.'

131 A:

Not that I remember.

132 Q:

Do you have any information about a book that is being written by Larry Schiller concerning the events of June 13 end June 12, 1994?

133 A:

No.

R.LEONARD:I am going to object. That is lack of foundation, vague, "any information."

THEWITNESS:I have no knowledge of that.

134

BY MR. BREWER:

135 Q:

Have you ever heard that Larry Schiller is in the process of writing a book?

136 A:

No.

137 Q:

Have you heard that Robert Kardashian is in the process of providing information or collaborating with Mr. Schiller in connection with a proposed book?

138 A:

No.

139 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, compound, lack of foundation.

THEWITNESS: Yes.

BYMR.BREWER:

140 Q:

Where did you hear that?

141 A:

From Bob.

142 Q:

From Bob Kardashian?

143 A:

Yes.

144 Q:

Did he tell you that he was involved with Larry Schiller in connection with the book?

145 A:

Yes.

146 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

147

BY MR. BREWER:

148 Q:

Did he tell you that the book was being written as we speak?

149 A:

I don't know when it was written.

150 Q:

When did you have this conversation with Mr. Kardashian about this book?

151 A:

It has been a while. I guess he is still doing it.

152 Q:

When did you first have a conversation with Mr. Kardashian?

153 A:

I don't know.

154 Q:

Just so that I am clear, the conversation that I am referring to is the one that refers to him doing a book with Larry Schiller.

155 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, and I think that mischaracterizes his testimony.

THEWITNESS: It could have came up after the trial.

BYMR.BREWER:

156 Q:

Okay. And do you remember where you were located?

157 A:

It could have been on the phone.

158 Q:

Do you remember how the discussions came up?

: I don't remember. Everybody was doing books.

159 Q:

And did Mr. Kardashian tell you that he was interested in doing a book since everyone was doing books?

160 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation.

161 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I don't know if somebody was showing interest in him or he was showing interest in doing a book. I really don't know.

162

BY MR. BREWER:

163 Q:

And did he indicate that he was collaborating with Larry Schiller in connection with a book?

164 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

165 ALLEN COWLINGS:

He could be. BY MR. BREWER:

166 Q:

And did he tell you what the approach or angle of the book was?

167 A:

No.

168 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

169

BY MR. BREWER:

170 Q:

Did he tell you what information, if any, he had provided to Mr. Schiller? MR. LEONARD: Same objections.

171 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

172

BY MR. BREWER:

173 Q:

Did he tell you what information he was going to provide to Mr. Schiller?

174 A:

No.

175 MR. LEONARD:

Same objection. BY MR. BREWER:

176 Q:

Did he ask you for any information that could be used in connection with the book?

177 A:

No.

178 Q:

Did he say anything about the subject matter of the book?

179 MR. LEONARD:

Same objections. THEWITNESS: No.

180

BY MR. BREWER:

181 Q:

Did he say anything about any of the information that would be contained within the book?

182 MR. LEONARD:

Same objections. THE WITNESS: No.

183

BY MR. BREWER:

184 Q:

SO the only thing that he said to you concerning this book was the fact that he was doing a book collaboration with Mr. Schiller?

185 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

186 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Yes.

187 MR.LEONARD:

I think that mischaracterizes his testimony.

188 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Sorry. Yes.

189

BY MR. BREWER:

190 Q:

And did he tell you anything about the timing of the book's release?

191 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

192 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

193

BY MR. BREWER:

194 Q:

Did he tell you anything about, you know, what information was going to be accumulated that would go into the book?

195 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. I think you already asked that at least once. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

196 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

BY MR. BREWER: Q: Did he tell you about anyone that had been interviewed with a view towards providing information for the book?

197 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation.

198 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

199

BY MR. BREWER:

200 Q:

Did he indicate to you that there were going to be any disclosures of privileged or private information in the book?

201 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. calls for speculation, lack of foundation, calls for a legal conclusion.

202 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

203

BY MR. BREWER:

204 Q:

Did Mr. Kardashian indicate at that time that they had a manuscript that had been completed?

205 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation, lack of foundation.

206 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

207

BY MR. BREWER:

208 Q:

Did he indicate to you that they were at least in the process of putting a manuscript together?

209 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for

210 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

211 MR. LEONARD:

—speculation. You have to let me finish my—Please.

212 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I'm sorry.

213 MR. LEONARD:

Calls for speculation, lack of foundation, vague.

214 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Isn't there one word you could use.

215 MR. PETROCELLI:

Yes. Shut up.

216 MR.BREWER:

That's a code word for his objection.

217 MR. PETROCELLI:

Let the record reflect laughter.

218 MR. LEONARD:

Well, that's not nice. MR. RE: Also, it is two words.

219 MR. BREWER:

Laugher is spontaneous. It is not preplanned.

220 MR.LEONARD:

With you, I don't know Mike. You are pretty slick.

221

BY MR. BREWER:

222 Q:

With respect to this Kardashian manuscript, have you ever seen a manuscript in connection with this book?

223 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation.

224 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No. BY MR. BREWER:

225 Q:

Have you ever listened to any tape-recordings that relate to a manuscript?

226 A:

No.

227 Q:

And when I say "a manuscript," I am talking about either a completed one or portions thereof.

228 A:

No.

229 Q:

Did he tell you whether he was — Strike that. Did he tell you whether he had entered into any contractual relationship with a publisher in connection with this book?

230 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation, lack of foundation.

231 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

232

BY MR. BREWER:

233 Q:

Was there any discussion about how much he had been paid or expected to be paid in connection with the book?

234 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

235 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

236 MR. LEONARD:

Compound, plus the same objection.

237 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. BY MR. BREWER:

238 Q:

Mr. Simpson, based upon your knowledge of him, is a very verbal person; is that a fair statement?

239 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

240 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Yes.

241

BY MR. BREWER:

242 Q:

And, for example, if you have a conversation with him, the tendency is for him to typically spend most of the time in that conversation doing the talking; is that true?

243 A:

Yes.

244 Q:

And when he is angry or upset, he tends to become quiet?

245 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

246

BY MR. BREWER:

247 Q:

Is that true?

248 MR. LEONARD:

Vague, lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

249 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I guess. I really don't know.

250

BY MR. BREWER:

251 Q:

Have you ever been around Mr. Simpson where you have known that he is angry or upset about something and he has become very quiet and introverted—

252 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

BY MR. BREWER: Q: —reflective?

253 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Compound, vague, calls for speculation.

254 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I have seen him sometimes when he was quiet, when he is being bothered by something.

255

BY MR. BREWER:

256 A:

And he tends to be a more reflective or introverted based upon what you are able to see of him when he is en' or upset?

257 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation, argumentative, lack of foundation, misstates his prior testimony.

258 ALLEN COWLINGS:

He would be quiet.

259 Q:

Are there any particular occasions that stand out in your memory where you have been around Mr. Simpson and you have known that he is angry about something where he has been quiet or reflective?

260 MR. LEONARD:

Lack of foundation, calls for speculation, objection.

261 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Unless he tells me. Sometimes I am around and he is tired. Maybe he is just coming off the road or he has been working too hard.

262

BY MR. BREWER:

263 Q:

And as a good friend sometimes you are around him and he will be quiet and you will say "what is going on" to find out why he has been quiet?

264 A:

Sometimes if, you know, some people don't want to be bothered, and you just don't bother them.

265 Q:

Has that ever happened where he has been unusually quiet, and you have asked him "What is going on? What is the matter?"

266 A:

Sometimes.

267 Q:

And has he ever said, "Well, I am upset" or UI am bothered about something"?

268 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Compound.

269

BY MR. BREWER:

270 Q:

And would you say that most of the time when you are around Mr. Simpson if he is not being bothered or he is not upset about something, he tends to be a very verbal person, talking and gregarious type of person?

271 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Compound, vague, lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

272 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Not necessarily. BY MR. BREWER:

273 Q:

If you were asked to describe a personality trait, would you describe that as one of Mr. Simpson's personality traits, that he tends to be a very talkative and verbal person?

274 A:

No. He's a very nice guy.

275 Q:

And when he is out socially, he tends to be very talkative, doesn't he?

276 A:

He talks to people who come up to him.

277 Q:

Now, going back to this New York incident after the Louis Marx party, which may or may not be r63 related to their anniversary when you received a call from Mr. Simpson, were you in bed at the time that you received the call?

278 A:

I don't remember if I was or not.

279 Q:

And when he called you, the word that you said was that he seemed upset. Did he seem angry when 1121 he contacted you?

280 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation.

281 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I don't remember the tone.

282

BY MR. BREWER:

283 Q:

When you said that he was upset what did you mean?

284 A:

He sounded like he was upset. He could have been talking in a low voice.

285 Q:

Okay. Well ,upset could mean crying, could mean quiet, could mean yelling, boisterous. Can you help us figure out how he was upset when he contacted you that evening?

286 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation, lack of foundation.

287 ALLEN COWLINGS:

For him to call me at that time I figured, you know, something was wrong.

141 BY MR. BREWER:

288 Q:

Okay. So it was based upon the timing of the call that led you to believe that he was upset about something?

289 A:

Or bothered by something, yes.

290 Q:

And was it a—It was a very short call, wasn't it?

291 A:

Yes.

292 Q:

And he essentially told you that he needed you to come over to the suite where they were 1141 staying; is that correct?

293 A:

Right.

294 Q:

And you knew that there was a problem as a result of that call and being summoned over to their suite; true?

295 A:

I didn't know—

296 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

297 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I didn't know what to expect.

298

BY MR. BREWER:

299 Q:

Well, did you expect that you were going over there to socialize, to have a drink and just talk?

300 A:

I didn't know what to expect when I got there.

301 Q:

Prior to receiving that call, in your experience with Nicole and Mr. Simpson, had you ever been called upon to mediate disputes between them;

302 A:

No.

303 Q:

Had you ever been called upon to provide an objective or third—

Let's change the tape.

THE VIDEOGRAPHER: This is the end of tape number two of Volume IV. The time is approximately 1:23, and we are off the record.

304 (Recess taken.)
305

BY MR. BREWER:

306 Q:

Mr. Cowlings, I think before we had to go off the record I asked you whether you had ever been called upon by Mr. Simpson and Nicole to provide like, a third-party view of things or to be an objective observer of something that was going on in their relationship or a mediator or something of that sort. Has that ever happened

307 A:

No.

308 Q:

prior to this? So this was the first time that you had ever been called upon by the Simpsons to sort out a dispute that they were in?

309 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague, misstates his testimony.

310 ALLEN COWLINGS:

His reason for calling me, I couldn't tell you exactly what his reasons were. I went there. He said she had embarrassed him, and she 1 said I was sorry, that I didn't mean to embarrass you, and that was it.

311

BY MR. BREWER:

312 A:

It was a friend of mine calling me. Q: Okay.

313 A:

It sounded like he needed me, so I went.

314 Q:

And were you going to mediate a dispute that they were having?

315 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

316 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I didn't know what was going on there.

317

BY MR. BREWER:

318 Q:

Were you asked to provide an opinion, like whether or not this was something that would be embarrassing to you?

319 A:

I was all ears.

320 Q:

So you were there just to listen?

321 MR. LEONARD:

I am going to object to the extent that you are asking him to speculate, when you say he was there to listen.

322 MR. BREWER:

I am asking what his understanding was. That is not speculation.

323 MR. LEONARD:

His understanding MR. BREWER: Yes, absolutely.

324 MR. LEONARD:

Okay.

325 MR. BREWER:

I am not asking about what is in Mr. Simpson's mind or Nicole's mind.

326 MR. LEONARD:

Yes, but that wasn't clear from the question.

327

BY MR. BREWER:

328 Q:

I am just asking what your understanding was with respect to why you were there, what you were to do.

329 A:

A friend called me. I went.

330 Q:

Okay. And when you got over there they were still in the bedroom or in bed; correct?

331 A:

In bed. I mean, in the bedroom. She was in the bed, and he was standing up.

332 Q:

Were they calm? A: Yes.

333 Q:

Was their speech to one another conversational?

334 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

335 MR. BREWER:

As opposed to yelling.

336 ALLEN COWLINGS:

They were talking. They weren't yelling.

337

BY MR. BREWER:

338 Q:

Were they arguing?

339 A:

There was no yelling.

340 Q:

So the first thing Mr. Simpson said to you was, "This is what she said that embarrassed me this evening"?

341 A:

He said, "She embarrassed me." She said, I didn't mean to." And she said, "I'm sorry."

342 Q:

And did Mr. Simpson ask you something like, "Do you think that is embarrassing?" Or "Is that something that would embarrass you?" Or something of that nature?

343 A:

I don't remember any — too much more because I didn't—You know, after she apologized or whatever, the conversation was over.

344 Q:

And did you—

345 A:

So I went.

346 Q:

And you turned around and went back to your hotel?

347 A:

Yeah. I went back to my hotel.

348 Q:

Would it be a fair statement that that was—Would it be a fair description of that whole episode, that that was a relatively bizarre episode?

349 MR. LEONARD:

Objection.

350 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I didn't look at it as bizarre.

351

BY MR. BREWER:

352 Q:

How would you describe it?

353 A:

A friend called. He needed me. I went. All right. I got there. She said something, something. She said, "I apologize." There was no more said after that. I turned around and went back to my hotel.

KEY QUOTE
354 Q:

And that was the last that it was ever talked about or referred to after?

355 A:

We flew out the next day back to L.A. together, the three of us.

356 Q:

And you never said to them, "Man, that was strange last night. What happened?"

357 A:

No. No, I didn't.

358 MR. RE:

Hey.

359 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Hey.

360 MR. RE:

Too bad that wasn't on the tape.

361 MR. LEONARD:

It is on tape.

362

BY MR. BREWER:

363 Q:

By the way, just so the record is clear, you never observed any markings on her either that evening or the following day on her face or any part of her body?

364 A:

No.

365 Q:

The thing that Mr. Re has just pointed out to us on his electronic calendar is that January — New Year's day would have been Sunday. Correct?

366 MR. LEONARD:

Of what year?

367 MR. BREWER:

Of 1989.

368 MR. PETROCELLI:

January 1.

369 MR. BREWER:

was Sunday, so January 2 would have been a Monday.

370 Q:

Does that refresh your recollection with respect to the date of the Rose Bowl?

371 A:

Are we back to that. I don't know, man. All I know is that the Rose Bowl is played on the 1st. Now, if that year it was played on the 2nd, your guess is as good as mine. I don't know. All I know, playing in the Rose Bowl myself, it is always played on the 1st. It may have changed. I really don't know.

372 Q:

Let's do it this way. The one thing that you are positive of is that the Rose Bowl was the same evening—played the same evening as the episode that we have described involving Mr. Simpson and Nicole?

373 MR. LEONARD:

I am going to object.

374 MR. RE:

No.

375 MR. LEONARD:

I think that is vague.

376 ALLEN COWLINGS:

New Year's we're at a party. New Year's morning I was called. There was a problem at the house. I went. The Rose Bowl, I assume, was played that afternoon.

377

BY MR. BREWER:

378 Q:

I want to just focus on what you said. You said I assume" it was played. Do you have a specific memory that it was on the same date as the altercation?

379 A:

The only reason I am saying this is because you guys are bringing up the 2nd and 1st. That is the only reason. Normally, up until this point, as far as I was concerned or knew, the game was played on the 1st.

380 Q:

Me too. And I just want to make sure we are clear on this. Irrespective of the date, whether it is the 1st or the 2nd, the Rose Bowl

381 A:

Why don't we get a press guide from USC or something that says that the game was played then or call over there.

382 Q:

Okay. Let me ask it this way, because this will help figure it out. You don't understand. I don't care about the date. I just want to make sure—

383 MR. PETROCELLI:

We are going to call right now.

384 MR. BREWER:

I just want to make sure—

385 MR. LEONARD:

But I can't. You do it. MR. PETROCELLI: I will do it.

386 MR. BREWER:

Let him do it.

387 MR.LEONARD:

Not that it really matters but—

388 MR.BREWER:

Let's ask the questions because I want to get out of here.

389 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Woe. Woe. Woe.

390 MR. LEONARD:

Do you know the sports information number?

391 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Ask either—Let me se. It could be—If it was on the 1st, it would be 1980— 1990. Do you understand what I am saying?

392 MR. RE:

The 1st and the 2nd are both part of the same year.

393 MR. PETROCELLI:

Who do I call, by the way?

394 ALLEN COWLINGS:

See, like I played— My last year—

395 MR. LEONARD:

A.C.

396 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Hold on. Let me explain something. Let me explain My last year at SC we played in the Rose Bowl. That was in '69, but it was the 1970 Rose Bowl.

397 MR.PETROCELLI:

I see what you are saying.

398 MR. RE:

It is the '69 season.

399 MR.PETROCELLI:

They may call this the 1989/ 1990 Rose Bowl?

400 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Right.

401 MR. LEONARD:

Who should he call? Sports information?

402 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Sports information on the campus of USC.

403 MR. PETROCELLI:

Do you know the number?

404 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Huh-uh.

405 MR.LEONARD:

What is the main number?

406 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Just general information. They will probably give you— You could ask for the athletic department.

407 MR. RE:

She is taking all of this down.

408 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Believe me, it is not

my fault. I am just a dumb football player.

409

BY MR. BREWER:

410 Q:

Let me just ask a question so that we can clear this up—clean it up, and then close out the deposition.

Forget about the date, whether it is

the 1st or 2nd.

411 A:

Okay.

412 Q:

The only thing I am concerned about is you were summoned over to Rockingham that morning by Michelle; true?

413 A:

Yes.

414 Q:

And the Rose Bowl that we are talking about would have been the same evening, you would have one to the Rose Bowl that evening?

415 A:

Right.

416 Q:

You didn't know Ron Goldman, did you?

417 A:

No, I didn't.

0: Did you ever have any conversations with 1221 Mr. Simpson excluding the time period regarding Ron Goldman?

418 A:

No.

419 Q:

Prior to Nicole's death had you ever been

Page 1090

with Mr. Simpson where he pointed out someone that you later learned to be Ron Goldman?

420 A:

No.

421 Q:

Did Mr. Simpson ever say anything to you about Nicole dada" a waiter who worked at the Mezzaluna restaurant? And again, this is prior to

Nicole's death.

422 A:

No.

423 MR. BREWER:

And, Mr. Re, just so that I am clear, I think you have already stated this, but in terms of discussions between Mr. Cowlings and Mr. Simpson, any conversations are going to be privileged?

424 MR. RE:

Any post—

425 MR. BREWER:

Obviously post, post 13th through today?

R. RE: Right. Correct.

426 MR. BREWER:

All right. Then that is all I have, Mr. Cowlings. Thank you.

427 MR. LEONARD:

I guess what we don't know right now is—and I am certainly not suggesting it but we don't know whether Dan has any more.

428 MR. BREWER:

Let's go off the record for a minute.

429 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Let's go off the record.

THE VIDEOGRAPHER: We are going off the record now, and the time is approximately 1:35.

430 (Discussion held off the record.)
431

BY MR. BREWER:

432 MR. PETROCELLI:

Michigan beat USC 22 to 14.

433 MR. LEONARD:

Just state where did you get the information.

434 MR.PETROCELLI:

I called, at Mr. Cowlings' suggestion, the sports information director of USC.

435 MR.LEONARD:

And how long was that discussion?

436 MR.PETROCELLI:

About 45 seconds.

BYMR.BREWER:

437 Q:

Given that information, the fact that the Rose Bowl was on the 2nd and not, in fact, on the 1st, does that in and of itself refresh your recollection with respect to what you did or didn't do on the evening of the 1st?

438 A:

No.

439 Q:

You remember previous testimony that Mr. Simpson attended the Rose Bowl that year?

440 A:

Yes.

441 Q:

And if we are correct end the Rose Bowl was on the 2nd, that means that on the 1st where we thought he was at the Rose Bowl he was somewhere else; true?

: Probably, yes.

442 Q:

Okay. Now, when is the last time you saw Mr. Simpson on the 1st that you have a memory of?

443 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation.

THEWITNESS:I saw him in and out that day because I eventually brought him back up to the house that evening.

BYMR.BREWER:

444 Q:

Do you remember what time you brought him back to the house?

445 A:

No.

446 Q:

Do you remember whether it was in the early evening versus later in the evening?

447 A:

It could have been early evening.

448 Q:

Okay. Do you know from any source whether he had left and gone anywhere else after you left to take Nicole to the hospital?

449 A:

I really don't remember.

450 Q:

Do you remember how long you stayed with Nicole after your return from the hospital at Rockingham?

451 A:

No.

452 Q:

Do you remember it being more than a matter of minutes? I mean, did you stay there for an

453 Q:

Do you remember where you brought him to the house from.

454 A:

Probably from Alan Schwartz.

Q And when you dropped him off, was that the last time that you saw him that evening, was after you dropped him off at Rockingham?

455 A:

No. We walked into the house together.

456 Q:

Was Nicole there at that time? A: Yes.

457 Q:

And then how long did you stay at Rockingham?

458 A:

We talked. I suggested to take her in— and he said yes—to the hospital.

Q Was Howard Weitzman there at the time?

459 A:

I don't know.

460 Q:

Do you recall seeing Howard Weitzman at the house that day?

461 A:

What day?

462 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation.

THEW1TNESS: What day? BYMR.BREWER: Q: On the 1st.

463 A:

Not that I can remember.

464 Q:

At any time, by the way. My question is open to at any time on the 1st do you recall seeing Howard Weitzman at Rockingham?

465 A:

Any time on the 1st?

Yes. A: Not that I remember.

Do you recall or do you have any knowledge with respect to whether Mr. Simpson spoke with Howard Weitzman on the 1st?

466 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation, calls for speculation, compound.

HEWITNESS:I have no knowledge of that.

YMR.BREWER:

467 Q:

Same question with respect to Skip Taft. do you have any knowledge with respect to whether Mr. Simpson spoke by telephone with Skip Taft?

468 MR.LEONARD:

Same objections. THE WITNESS: He would have.

469

BY MR. BREWER:

470 Q:

Do you have a memory of that?

471 A:

I don't remember.

472 Q:

Do you have a recollection of Mr. Taft being at Rockingham at any time on the 1st?

473 A:

I don't remember.

474 Q:

How about at Alan Schwartz's?

475 A:

He could have been at Alan's.

476 Q:

You have a memory of him being there?

477 A:

Not really.

478 Q:

What is the basis for your statement that he could have been there?

479 A:

He could have been there. He is O.J.'s attorney.

480 Q:

Alright. Do you know whether he was summoned to Alan Schwartz's house?

481 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Lack of foundation —

482 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I don't know.

483 MR. LEONARD:

- calls for speculation.

484

BY MR. BREWER:

485 Q:

So you do not have a memory of Skip Taft being at Alan Schwartz's at any time that day?

486 A:

Skip could have been there. I don't remember.

487 Q:

Same question with Howard Weitzman at Alan Schwartz's?

488 MR.LEONARD:

Same objections.

489 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I don't remember seeing Howard. BY MR. BREWER:

And after you left Rockingham you took Nicole to the hospital that evening; correct?

490 A:

Right.

491 Q:

And as far as you knew Mr. Simpson was still at Rockingham when you left?

492 A:

I don't know. He was there when I left.

493 Q:

With Nicole?

494 A:

No. Nicole was with me.

495 Q:

Let's focus on those two time periods. When you left Rockingham with Nicole to take her to the hospital, do you know where O.J. Simpson was?

496 A:

I think he was still there at the house.

497 Q:

And then when you came back from the hospital, did you come back to Rockingham'

498 A:

Yes.

499 Q:

And was Mr. Simpson still there?

500 A:

I don't know.

501 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Calls for speculation.

502

BY MR. BREWER:

503 A:

I don't remember.

hour, half hour, two hours?

504 A:

I couldn't tell you how long I stayed.

: Do you remember leaving Rockingham that evening and going back home?

505 A:

Yeah, I went home.

And when you left Rockingham that evening, do you recall specifically with respect to whether Mr. Simpson was at Rockingham' :I don't remember. Q: So you have no memory of Mr. Simpson's whereabouts after you left Rockingham to go to the hospital; is that true?

506 MR.LEONARD:

I'm sorry. Can you repeat that question.

507

BY MR. BREWER:

508 Q:

After you left Rockingham to take Nicole to the hospital you have no recollection with respect to seeing Mr. Simpson or knowing his whereabouts?

509 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Compound, calls for speculation.

BYMR.BREWER: Q: Is that true?

510 A:

I don't know if he stayed there. I don't know if he was still there when I got back. I don't remember.

And when you say you don't remember, you do not remember seeing him; true?

:I just don't remember if he was still there when I got back.

511 Q:

You do not remember reporting to him with respect to what happened at the hospital, what the m doctor said? A: I don't remember.

512 MR.LEONARD:

That night you mean?

513 MR.BREWER:

Yes. I am just focusing on that evening.

THEWITNESS:I don't remember. 1131 BY MR. BREWER:

514 Q:

Do you remember talking to him the following day?

515 A:

I could have.

516 Q:

W hen you say you could have, do you have a memory of that?

517 A:

No.

518 Q:

When you say you could have, does that sound like something that you would have done, to call 1221 him end check on her

519 A:

Probably.

520 Q:

Do you have a recollection of any discussions that you had with Mr. Simpson the day after the incident occurred?

521 A:

The day after?

522 Q:

Yes. Which would have been the 2nd—

523 A:

The 2nd.

524 Q:

—we now know.

: I don't know. I could have.

525 Q:

Do you have any memory of seeing him the day after the incident occurred?

526 A:

I don't remember.

527 Q:

Assuming that is the date of the Rose Bowl, and we think it is, do you remember whether you saw Mr. Simpson before he went to the Rose Bowl that year?

528 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Vague as to time. At any time before he went to the Rose Bowl?

529 MR.BREWER:

Yes. That day any time.

530 MR.LEONARD:

Okay.

531 MR.BREWER:

Absolutely.

532 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Since you mention this, there is a thought in my mind right now that I probably went to the Rose Bowl if it was on the 2nd.

BYMR.BREWER:

KEY QUOTE
533 Q:

Do you have a memory now of going to the Rose Bowl that year?

534 A:

No. It is just a thought in my mind. It

Page1100

could have been—

535 Q:

Does it help if we tell you that it is Jason's first—

536 A:

When you brought up Jason, some

thing in my mind clicked that Jason came up to me while I was on the side lines.

537 A:

So is now your best recollection that you were probably at the Rose Bowl that year?

: Yes. Something is telling me—in my mind is telling me that I was there.

And were you there with O.J. Simpson that year?

538 A:

Yes, I would have been there with him.

539 Q:

Do you remember sitting with O.J. Simpson that year?

540 A:

I think we were on the side lines, I think.

541 Q:

Do you remember what he was wearing?

542 A:

No.

543 Q:

Other than you and Mr. Simpson, do you recall anyone else that was with you that year?

544 A:

Huh-uh. I don't remember.

545 Q:

So to the best of your knowledge as you e41 sit here today you just remember you and Mr. Simpson?

546 A:

It could have been others, but I don't

Page110

remember.

547 Q:

Do you remember the individual on Exhibit 07?

r41 A: He could have been.

Do you remember there being kind of a pregame party or event that you went to and then went m from there to the Rose Bowl?

548 A:

I don't remember. There is always a pregame thing. I don't know if we were in time to go into the hospitality tent, as they called them, or did we get there just before the game started. I really don't remember.

549 Q:

Because you are scalums, is there special—there is obviously special treatment anyway, but is there a particular event that is held for former SC football players that attend the Rose Bowl?

550 A:

I don't know. It is just in general there is various support groups that have their own tents. The network could have had their tents up. O.J. could have been invited by the networks to come down. I don't know who covered the game that year.

551 Q:

When you say he could have been invited by the networks, you are talking about going up and maybe doing some commentary or just giving an interview?

552 A:

Into the hospitality suite, the hospitality tent.

553 Q:

I see. Do you recall giving any interviews that year?

Me? Q:Yes. : Not How about Mr. Simpson, do you recall seeing him being interviewed

by anyone while you were at the game?

554 A:

I don't remember.

555 Q:

Do you recall his demeanor during the course of the football game?

556 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

557 ALLEN COWLINGS:

No.

558 MR. BREWER:

Let me make it more specific.

559 Q:

During the course of the Rose Bowl do you I recall observing that Mr. Simpson was upset?

560 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

561 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I don't know. I was watching the game.

562 Q:

Do you recall observing that he was emotional at all?

563 MR.LEONARD:

Objection. Vague.

564

BY MR. BREWER:

565 A:

I don't remember.

566 Q:

Do you recall any discussion that you had at the Rose Bowl relative to the events the preceding day?

: No, I don't remember.

: Do you remember where you went after the game?

567 A:

I couldn't tell you.

: Do you remember going back to Rockingham after the Rose Bowl?

568 A:

I remember coming back to Rockingham or I could have went back to Wayne's or I could have went home. I really don't know.

569 Q:

You have no memory of what you did—

570 A:

No.

571 Q:

Do you have any memory of seeing Nicole after the Rose Bowl?

572 MR. LEONARD:

You mean that day? MR. BREWER: Yes. That day after the Rose Bowl.

573 ALLEN COWLINGS:

The 2nd? BY MR. BREWER:

574 Q:

Yes, on the 2nd.

575 A:

No, I don't remember.

Do you have a memory after the Rose Bowl on the 2nd of talking to Nicole by telephone?

576 A:

I don't remember. I may have.

577 Q:

Checking on her health or her medical condition?

578 A:

Maybe. I don't know. I really don't rs1 remember.

579 Q:

But again you have no memory one way or the other as to whether you did that?

580 A:

No.

581 Q:

Other than the hospital is it on the 1st, did you ever take Nicole for any follow-up medical visits—

582 A:

No.

583 Q:

—relative to the '89 incident? A: No.

584 Q:

And that is the only occasion that you have ever had to take her to the hospital for any reason?

585 A:

Yes. Yes.

586 Q:

You are kind of pausing like you are not certain.

587 A:

I'm trying to get the cobwebs out. I remember going to the hospital with her when she was giving birth.

588 Q:

Apart from giving birth, this is the only time because of an injury that you ever had to take her to the hospital?

589 A:

I have taken her to doctor appointments, dental appointments.

590 Q:

Doctor appointments because of an injury?

591 A:

No.

592 Q:

Dental appointments because of some injury to her mouth?

593 A:

No.

594 Q:

Apart from this hospital visit during the '89 incident, do you recall any other incidents that you had to take her to the hospital for?

595 A:

No.

596 Q:

How about where you accompanied Mr. Simpson when he took her to the hospital as a result of some injury, do you recall that?

597 A:

No, I don't.

598 Q:

How about accompanying anyone else and Nicole—

599 A:

No.

Q —to the hospital because of an injury—

600 A:

No.

601 Q:

—do you recall that?

602 A:

No.

: Other than the arguments and the physical altercation that we have talked about, do you recall any other fight or argument that we have not discussed during the course of the deposition?

603 A:

No.

604 MR. LEONARD:

Objection. Compound. Please let me get my objection in. Objection. Compound—

605 ALLEN COWLINGS:

I'm sorry.

606 MR. LEONARD:

— lack of foundation.

607 ALLEN COWLINGS:

Could you raise your hand next time.

608 MR. BREWER:

Okay. Thanks, Mr. Cowlings, I have nothing further.

609 MR.LEONARD:

I don't have any questions.

610 MR. PETROCELLI:

Can we have the stipulation that the original will be sent to you, Mr. Re, on behalf of Mr. Cowlings; you will have 30 days from your receipt in which to inform us of any changes and whether it has been signed; and if not so informed, that a certified copy can be used in lieu of an original for all purposes; the court reporter is otherwise relieved of his and her statutory dudes.

611 MR. RE:

Yes.

THE VIDEOGRAPHER: This concludes the deposition of Allen Cowlings, Volume IV. The number of videotapes used was three. We are going off the record, and the time is approximately 1:51.

612 (ENDING TIME: 1:51 P.M.)

Temperature

procedural

Key Quotes (5)

A.C. Cowlings
He didn't hit me. Nicole forgave him. They went on with their lives.
Cowlings rationalizes continued friendship with Simpson after the '89 incident, framing Nicole's forgiveness as closing the matter for everyone.
A.C. Cowlings
A friend called. He needed me. I went.
Cowlings reduces the strange late-night New York hotel summons to simple loyalty, deflecting any characterization of it as unusual or as mediation of a domestic dispute.
Daniel Petrocelli
Yes. Shut up.
Delivered as a joke in response to Cowlings complaining about the length of Leonard's objections — the only moment of genuine levity in the room, prompting Petrocelli to note 'Let the record reflect laughter.'
A.C. Cowlings
I am just a dumb football player.
Self-deprecating deflection during the Rose Bowl date confusion, but also a tell — Cowlings uses the persona of a simple ex-athlete to avoid pinning down specifics.
A.C. Cowlings
Since you mention this, there is a thought in my mind right now that I probably went to the Rose Bowl if it was on the 2nd.
Cowlings' memory shifts in real time once the date is corrected, ultimately recalling being on the sidelines with Simpson — undercutting his earlier testimony that he skipped the Rose Bowl to be available for Nicole.

Evidence (3)

Exhibit 07
Photograph of an unidentified individual, shown to Cowlings in context of the Rose Bowl attendance
discussed — Cowlings says the person 'could have been' there but does not confirm
Informal
The 1989 Rose Bowl (USC vs. Michigan, played January 2, 1990 — Michigan won 22-14), used to pin down the date of the '89 domestic violence incident
date confirmed mid-deposition via Petrocelli's phone call to USC sports information
Informal
Proposed Kardashian-Schiller book manuscript — whether it existed, what it contained, whether Cowlings had seen or heard tapes
discussed — Cowlings confirms Kardashian told him about the collaboration but denies any knowledge of contents

Notable Exchanges (4)

Daniel PetrocelliDan LeonardA.C. Cowlings
After Cowlings complains about the length of Leonard's objections ('Isn't there one word you could use'), Petrocelli says 'Yes. Shut up.' Brewer explains it is 'a code word for his objection.' Petrocelli asks the record to reflect laughter. Leonard protests it is 'not nice,' and Re notes it is also 'two words.'
light
Michael BrewerDonald ReDaniel PetrocelliA.C. CowlingsDan Leonard
Extended confusion over whether the Rose Bowl was January 1st or 2nd leads Cowlings to suggest calling USC sports information. Petrocelli actually makes the call during a recess and reports back: Michigan beat USC 22-14 on January 2nd. Cowlings' memory then shifts to believing he was at the game on the sidelines with Simpson.
revealing
Michael BrewerDonald Re
Brewer attempts to ask whether Cowlings discussed evidence locations (knife, clothing) with attendees of the Shapiro meeting. Re draws a sharp distinction: Cowlings denied those conversations with Jennifer Peace specifically (so no privilege applies), but any question about whether he discussed evidence with others will trigger privilege regardless of time period.
strategic
Michael BrewerA.C. Cowlings
Brewer attempts to show Cowlings told Cici and Robin that Simpson 'may have been responsible' for Nicole's death, potentially impeaching his loyalty narrative. Cowlings flatly denies both.
strategic

Light Moments (5)

Daniel Petrocelli
Petrocelli says 'Yes. Shut up.' as the one-word objection summary Cowlings requested, prompting laughter and meta-commentary from all parties including Leonard saying it's 'not nice' and Re noting it's actually two words.
A.C. Cowlings
Cowlings suggests calling USC sports information to resolve the Rose Bowl date dispute; Petrocelli actually does it during the break and returns with the score.
A.C. Cowlings
'I am just a dumb football player.' — Cowlings deflects responsibility for not knowing the Rose Bowl date.
Donald Re / Dan Leonard
Re says 'Hey' to Cowlings off-camera; Leonard notes 'Too bad that wasn't on the tape'; Re replies 'It is on tape.' — brief moment of camaraderie caught on the record.
A.C. Cowlings
Cowlings tells Leonard 'Could you raise your hand next time' so he can wait for objections before answering.

Credibility Attacks (3)

⚔ A.C. Cowlings
prior inconsistent statement
Brewer suggests Cowlings told Cici and Robin that he believed Simpson 'may have been responsible' for Nicole's death — directly contradicting Cowlings' stated position that he always believed in Simpson's innocence. Cowlings denies both.
⚔ A.C. Cowlings
memory contradiction
Cowlings testified he skipped the Rose Bowl to be available for Nicole after the '89 incident. Once the date is corrected to January 2nd via the USC phone call, Cowlings' memory shifts and he now believes he was at the game on the sidelines with Simpson — undermining the sacrifice narrative.
⚔ A.C. Cowlings
minimization of prior inconsistent conduct
Brewer presses Cowlings on whether the New York hotel episode — being summoned late at night to mediate between Simpson and Nicole — was 'bizarre.' Cowlings refuses the characterization and reduces it to 'a friend called, I went,' deflecting any implication it signals a pattern of domestic tension.

Witness Demeanor

(Recess taken.)
(Discussion held off the record.)
Witness frequently says 'I don't remember' and 'I could have' — cooperative but vague throughout
Witness grows animated during Rose Bowl date discussion, offering to call USC himself
Witness self-corrects multiple times when speaking out of turn before Leonard can object ('I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.')

Objections

42 objections (0 sustained, 0 overruled)
Proceeding 9006 • 612 utterances • Plaintiff witness
Deposition Trial
Department 103
⚖️ Start
📂 MAY 15, 1996 📄 Direct examination of Allen Co
MAY 15, 1996 KRT DvH TD