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Cullen: No Obvious Issues For Bulger To Appeal

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Globe columnist and co-author of a book about James Whitey Bulger says he doesn't see how Bulger can appeal Monday's verdict.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Rod Fritz with Cullen

Cullen: No Obvious Appeal-Able Issues For Bulger

"I'm not a lawyer, I just play one in my column but I don't see any obvious appeal-able issues," Cullen said.

After the verdict was read, Bulger's attorney said they plan to appeal.

Defense attorney J.W. Carney Jr. said the "lead issue" will be judge's ruling that prevented Bulger from using an immunity defense.

"I guess they could argue they didn't let him present what I call 'a total fantasy defense,'" Cullen said of the claim Bulger had immunity.

Bulger has claimed that a now-dead federal prosecutor gave him immunity from prosecution for his criminal activity in Southie.

"Nobody has the authority to give anyone a license to kill," Cullen said. "That may happen in James Bond movies, it does not happen in the real world."

Cullen said if he were the judge, he would have been tempted to let Bulger's lawyers argue the immunity defense.

"It would have made him look like a fool, a bigger fool than now after his conviction," he said.

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