LAPD discusses recovery of knife found on O.J. Simpson estate

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 5: OJ Simpson Simpson stands in the courtroom after being sentenced at the Clark County Regional Justice Center December 5, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Simpson and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart were sentenced on 12 charges, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy related to a 2007 confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel. (Photo by Issac Brekken-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** OJ Simpson

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Friday that a knife that reportedly was found buried on the former estate of O.J. Simpson is under investigation.

TMZ first reported the discovery of the knife, which was actually found in 1998 or earlier during construction at the house formerly owned by Simpson.

However, the knife wasn't delivered directly to police nearly two decades ago. Instead, TMZ reports that the man who found it gave it to an off-duty police officer who decided to keep it for himself -- until the past month or so.

Simpson was found not guilty of murdering his former wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman during a much-publicized trial in 1995.