O.J. Simpson "wanted armed men" with him when he went to confront the two sports memorabilia dealers he is accused of threatening and robbing at gunpoint.

That's according to a co-defendant who agreed to a plea bargain and agreed to testify for the prosecution against OJ Simpson in the kidnapping and robbery case.

"O.J. said 'Hey, just bring some firearms,'" Walter Alexander told police in a transcript of his tape-recorded statement obtained by the media.

Alexander told the police after his arrest September 15 that he and another man showed up with guns at the former football star's request.

That's when they headed over with him into a casino hotel room to retrieve various collectibles and memorabilia that O.J. Simpson said belonged to him.

"[O.J.] said ... 'we won't have to use 'em, but ... just to look tough, so that these people know that, you know, we're here for business,'" Walter Alexander said.

O.J. Simpson has denied guns were involved.

If Alexander's assertion turns out to be true, "it hurts OJ Simpson tremendously," Edward Miley, lawyer for co-defendant Charles Cashmore, said.

Charles Cashmore also has agreed to a plea deal.