O.J. Simpson, renowned for his achievements on the football field and subsequent success in various media ventures, passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Las Vegas. He was 76 years old. The cause of death was cancer, as announced by his family on social media.
While Simpson gained fame for his athletic prowess, his life took a dramatic turn with the widely publicized 1995 trial in Los Angeles, where he was acquitted of the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald L. Goldman. Despite his legal victory, the trial’s aftermath significantly altered Simpson’s trajectory. In 1997, a civil suit held him responsible for the deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages, though he largely evaded payment by relocating to Florida and facing personal challenges.
In a controversial move in 2006, Simpson attempted to release a book titled “If I Did It,” along with a TV interview, presenting a hypothetical account of the murders he had consistently denied committing. Public backlash halted both projects, but the rights to the book were eventually acquired by Mr. Goldman’s family, who published it with additional content implicating Simpson.
Simpson’s troubles continued in 2007 when he was arrested for his involvement in an armed robbery and kidnapping incident in a Las Vegas hotel room. Found guilty in 2008, he was sentenced to nine to 33 years in a Nevada state prison. After serving the minimum sentence, he was released in 2017.
The O.J. Simpson saga sparked intense public interest, spawning numerous books, films, and discussions about justice, race relations, and celebrity culture. Simpson’s life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame as a football star, reflects the complexities of American society, highlighting the nation’s fascination with individuals who embody the rags-to-riches narrative, yet struggle with deeper societal contradictions.
Mr. Simpson in 1973. That year he became the first to rush for over 2,000 yards, breaking a record, and was named the N.F.L.’s most valuable player.Credit...Associated Press
And so he did—darting through the sunlit fields of the University of Southern California and amid the thunderous cheers of National Football League stadiums for 11 seasons; sprinting for Hollywood’s elite filmmakers, for the creative minds of Madison Avenue, and for the television networks; ascending to the pinnacle of success in both the realms of sports and entertainment.
During this journey, he shattered collegiate and professional records, claimed the coveted Heisman Trophy, and earned a revered place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He graced the silver screen in numerous films and left an indelible mark in memorable commercials for Hertz and other esteemed brands. Additionally, he lent his insights as a sports analyst for ABC and NBC, cultivated a life filled with opulent homes, luxurious automobiles, and a radiant family, and became an icon of American culture—a handsome and noble figure with gentle eyes and a soothing voice, epitomizing the essence of decency. And amidst it all, he found solace in the game of golf.
On the surface, it seemed like the epitome of the good life. Yet beneath this facade lay a deeper, more troubled reality—a reality marked by the tragedy of losing an infant daughter in a pool accident and the dissolution of his marriage to his high school sweetheart; a reality colored by the turbulent relationship with a captivating young waitress, punctuated by frequent calls to law enforcement following instances of domestic violence; and a reality plagued by the tumultuous emotions of a man grappling with his inner demons.
Mr. Simpson in 1987 with his wife, Nicole, whom he married two years earlier. They divorced in 1992.Credit...Frank Edwards/Fotos International, via Getty Images
Police Involvement
Nicole Simpson endured countless instances of abuse, leaving her bruised and terrified, yet law enforcement’s response was often lacking. Following a distress call on New Year’s Day in 1989, officers discovered her badly beaten and partially unclothed, cowering in the bushes near their residence. Through tearful pleas, she expressed her fear of imminent death. While Mr. Simpson faced arrest and conviction for spousal abuse, he received only a fine and probation.
Despite their divorce in 1992, the confrontations persisted. On October 25, 1993, Ms. Simpson reached out to the authorities once again, alerting them to Mr. Simpson’s return.
Then tragedy struck. On June 12, 1994, Ms. Simpson, aged 35, and Mr. Goldman, aged 25, were assaulted outside her condominium in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, near Mr. Simpson’s property. The brutality of the attack resulted in Ms. Simpson nearly being decapitated, while Mr. Goldman was fatally slashed.
Though the murder weapon remained elusive, law enforcement uncovered a bloodied golf glove and a wealth of hair, blood, and fiber evidence at the crime scene. Considering Mr. Simpson’s history of violence and Nicole’s pleas for assistance, investigators swiftly honed in on him as the prime suspect. Blood was discovered on his vehicle, and inside his home, a blood-stained golf glove, matching the one found near the victims, was located. No other suspects emerged.
Just five days later, following Mr. Simpson’s attendance at Nicole’s funeral with their two children, he faced formal charges for the murders. However, he fled in his white Ford Bronco, initiating a widely televised 60-mile pursuit along Southern California’s highways, with his friend Al Cowlings behind the wheel and Mr. Simpson in the backseat, armed and threatening suicide.
After he was charged with murdering his former wife and her friend, Mr. Simpson fled in his white Ford Bronco, leading a fleet of patrol cars in a televised chase over the Southern California freeways.Credit...Joseph R. Villarin/Associated Press
Television networks preempted their prime-time programming for the spectacle, with news cameras capturing the scene from helicopters, drawing a nationwide audience of 95 million viewers. Overpasses and roadsides overflowed with spectators, prompting the police to close highways as motorists pulled over to witness the unfolding events. Some onlookers waved and cheered at the passing Bronco, which continued uninterrupted until Mr. Simpson finally returned home and was taken into custody.
The subsequent trial, spanning nine months from January to early October 1995, mesmerized the nation with its sensationalized depictions of the murders and the legal maneuverings of both the prosecution and the defense. Representing Mr. Simpson were renowned attorneys, including the famed “dream team” comprising Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., F. Lee Bailey, Alan M. Dershowitz, Barry Scheck, and Robert L. Shapiro.
Initially armed with what appeared to be overwhelming evidence, the prosecution, led by Marcia Clark and Christopher A. Darden, presented tests indicating that various items found at the crime scene were linked to Mr. Simpson or his residence. They also highlighted DNA evidence linking Mr. Simpson to the crime. Moreover, prosecutors cited a lengthy list of abusive incidents perpetrated by Mr. Simpson against his wife.
However, as the trial unfolded under the supervision of Judge Lance Ito and a jury predominantly comprised of Black individuals, it became evident that the police investigation was riddled with flaws. Key photographic evidence had been misplaced or mislabeled, and DNA collection procedures were called into question, raising doubts about the validity of the evidence. Detective Mark Fuhrman, a pivotal witness, confessed to entering the Simpson residence and discovering crucial evidence without proper authorization.
The defense, while unable to substantiate claims of evidence tampering by Mr. Fuhrman, effectively undermined his credibility by exposing his history of racist remarks. Despite Mr. Fuhrman’s denial of using racist language for ten years, witness testimonies and a taped radio interview played during the trial contradicted his assertions. Ultimately, the prosecution’s request for Mr. Simpson to try on the gloves became a pivotal moment in the trial. His struggle to fit them properly cast doubt on the integrity of the evidence presented against him.
Mr. Simpson during his trial in 1995 when he was asked to try on a pair of golf gloves, one of which was found at the scene of his former wife’s murder.Credit...Vince Bucci/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“When the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” Mr. Cochran emphasized to the jury later.
Ultimately, it was the defense that presented the most compelling case, offering numerous grounds for reasonable doubt, the benchmark for acquittal. Yet, they aimed for more. They depicted the Los Angeles police as racially biased, alleging that a Black man was unfairly targeted and urging the jury to consider broader societal issues beyond mere guilt or innocence.
On the day of the verdict, autograph seekers, T-shirt vendors, street preachers, and paparazzi swarmed the courthouse steps. Following what some dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” which featured 126 witnesses, 1,105 pieces of evidence, and 45,000 pages of transcripts, the jury — sequestered for a record 266 days, the longest in California history — deliberated for only three hours.
The nation came to a standstill as people in homes, offices, airports, and malls paused to witness the verdict. Even President Bill Clinton momentarily left the Oval Office to join his aides in watching. Across the country, cries of both jubilation and dismay echoed as the verdict left many Black individuals elated and many white individuals stunned.
In the aftermath, Mr. Simpson and the case became the focus of numerous television specials, films, and over 30 books, many authored by individuals involved in the trial who reaped substantial financial gains. Collaborating with Lawrence Schiller, Mr. Simpson released “I Want to Tell You,” a collection of letters, photographs, and self-defense commentary that sold hundreds of thousands of copies, earning him more than $1 million.
Although released after 474 days in custody, Mr. Simpson’s legal battles were far from over. Much of the case resurfaced in the civil suit brought by the Goldman and Brown families. A predominantly white jury, operating under a lower burden of proof, found Mr. Simpson responsible and awarded the families $33.5 million in damages. The civil trial, devoid of the racially charged rhetoric, served as a form of vindication for the families and further compounded Mr. Simpson’s financial woes, as he insisted he had no means to pay the damages.
Ronald L. Goldman’s father, Fred, and his sister, Kim, in 1996 during a news conference about Mr. Simpson’s trial.Credit...Bob Carey/Los Angeles Times, via Getty Images
Mr. Simpson had invested significant sums in his criminal defense. Financial records presented during the murder trial indicated his net worth was approximately $11 million, but following the trial, sources familiar with the matter suggested he was left with only $3.5 million. A 1999 auction of his Heisman Trophy and other memorabilia raised around $500,000, which was directed towards the plaintiffs. However, court documents indicate he made minimal payments towards the outstanding balance.
He regained custody of his children from Ms. Simpson and relocated to Florida in 2000, purchasing a residence south of Miami, where he settled into a quieter lifestyle, enjoying activities like golfing and relying on pensions from entities like the N.F.L. and the Screen Actors Guild, amounting to roughly $400,000 annually. Florida laws shield home and pension income from being seized to settle court judgments.
Although the glamour and lucrative contracts of his past were no more, Mr. Simpson ensured his children received an education at prep school and college. He frequented restaurants and malls, readily signing autographs for admirers. He faced fines on separate occasions, once for speeding in a manatee zone on a powerboat and once for unauthorized cable television access.
In 2006, as the debt to the families of the murder victims escalated to $38 million with accumulated interest, Fred Goldman, Ronald Goldman’s father, filed a lawsuit against him. Goldman alleged that Mr. Simpson’s deal for the book and television rights to “If I Did It” had included a $1 million advance, structured to defraud the family of owed damages.
The projects were shelved by News Corporation, the parent company of HarperCollins and the Fox Television Network, and a company spokesperson indicated that Mr. Simpson was not expected to repay an $800,000 advance. Eventually, the Goldman family obtained the book rights through a bankruptcy court proceeding and had it published in 2007 under the title “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer,” with the word “If” in small type and “I Did It” in large red letters on the cover.
Facing another trial in 2008, Mr. Simpson was accused of orchestrating a raid on a Las Vegas hotel room in 2007 with five accomplices, most of whom had criminal records and two of whom were armed, to steal a collection of sports memorabilia from two dealers.
Mr. Simpson on the opening day of his trial in 2008 in Las Vegas. He was found guilty of invading a hotel room there and stealing a trove of sports memorabilia.Credit...Pool photo by Jae Hong
Mr. Simpson maintained that his intent was solely to recover items he believed had been stolen from him, such as eight footballs, two plaques, and a photograph featuring him with the F.B.I. director J. Edgar Hoover. He claimed ignorance regarding the presence of any firearms. However, four individuals arrested alongside him, who later pleaded guilty, testified against him. Two asserted they had carried guns at his behest. Additionally, prosecutors presented extensive recordings secretly made by a co-conspirator, detailing the planning and execution of the incident.
On October 3 — marking 13 years since his acquittal in Los Angeles — a jury consisting of nine women and three men found him guilty of armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, conspiracy, coercion, and other offenses. Following the sentencing of a minimum of nine years in prison, his attorney pledged to appeal, citing concerns over the absence of Black jurors and questioning their impartiality given the events of the past. However, jurors affirmed that the double-murder trial was not a factor in their deliberations.
In 2013, the Nevada Parole Board, recognizing Mr. Simpson’s positive conduct and involvement in prison programs, granted him parole for certain charges stemming from the robbery conviction. Yet, some convictions remained intact. Despite his plea for a new trial being dismissed by a Nevada judge and legal analysts deeming further appeals improbable, he remained incarcerated until October 1, 2017, when the parole board unanimously approved his release upon eligibility.
Conditions of Mr. Simpson’s parole, including travel restrictions, prohibition on contact with co-defendants, and refraining from excessive alcohol consumption, persisted until 2021, when they were lifted, granting him full freedom.
Doubts surrounding his culpability or innocence in the murders of his former spouse and Mr. Goldman persisted.
In May 2008, memorabilia dealer and former associate Mike Gilbert alleged in a book that, while under the influence of marijuana, Mr. Simpson had confessed to the killings following the trial. Gilbert quoted Mr. Simpson as acknowledging that he hadn’t carried a knife but had utilized one retrieved from Ms. Simpson when she opened the door. Additionally, he claimed Mr. Simpson had discontinued arthritis medication to induce hand swelling, ensuring the gloves wouldn’t fit during court proceedings. Mr. Simpson’s attorney, Yale L. Galanter, refuted Gilbert’s assertions, dismissing him as delusional.
“The People v. O.J. Simpson,” Ryan Murphy’s installment in the “American Crime Story” anthology on FX, captivated television audiences in 2016, more than 20 years after Mr. Simpson’s murder trial.
In 2016, more than two decades following his murder trial, the saga of O.J. Simpson was revisited twice, captivating mass audiences on television. Ryan Murphy’s segment of the “American Crime Story” anthology, titled “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” aired on FX. It delved into the trial itself and the array of characters drawn into the orbit of the defendant, portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. Concurrently, ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary series presented “O.J.: Made in America,” spanning five parts and nearly eight hours in length. This comprehensive piece, also screened in theaters, not only chronicled the trial but delved into Mr. Simpson’s life story, exploring themes of race, celebrity, sports, and the cultural landscape of Los Angeles over the preceding five decades.
A.O. Scott, in his commentary for The New York Times, described “The People v. O.J. Simpson” as a “tightly packed, almost indecently entertaining piece of pop realism, a Dreiser novel infused with the spirit of Tom Wolfe.” He lauded “O.J.: Made in America” for possessing “the grandeur and authority of the best long-form fiction.”
Mr. Simpson in 1967. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 1969, when he went to the Buffalo Bills.Credit...Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
As a Child in Leg Braces Born in San Francisco on July 9, 1947, Orenthal James Simpson was one of four children born to James and Eunice (Durden) Simpson. Afflicted with calcium deficiency rickets as an infant, he wore leg braces for several years until he outgrew the condition. His father, a janitor and cook, left the family when O.J. was four years old, leaving his mother, a hospital nurse’s aide, to raise the children in a housing project in the challenging Potrero Hill district.
During his teenage years, Mr. Simpson, who disliked his given name and preferred to be called O.J., associated with street gangs. However, at the age of 15, a transformative encounter with Willie Mays, the renowned San Francisco Giants outfielder, changed his life. Inspired by Mays, Simpson joined the Galileo High School football team and achieved All-City honors in his senior year.
In 1967, Mr. Simpson married his high school sweetheart, Marguerite Whitley, with whom he had three children: Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren. Tragically, shortly after their divorce in 1979, Aaren, just 23 months old, passed away after falling into a swimming pool at home.
In 1985, Mr. Simpson married Nicole Brown, with whom he had a daughter, Sydney, and a son, Justin. Surviving him are his children Arnelle, Jason, Sydney, and Justin Simpson, as well as three grandchildren, according to his lawyer Malcolm P. LaVergne.
Following his release from prison in Nevada in 2017, Mr. Simpson initially moved into the Las Vegas country club home of a wealthy friend, James Barnett, expecting it to be a temporary arrangement. However, he found himself enjoying the local golf scene and forging new friendships, sometimes with people who approached him in restaurants, Mr. LaVergne stated. Mr. Simpson ultimately decided to make Las Vegas his permanent residence and, at the time of his death, resided near the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club.
From a young age, Mr. Simpson displayed remarkable talent on the football field. Beginning his collegiate career at San Francisco City College, he scored an impressive 54 touchdowns in two years. Transferring to Southern Cal, he continued to excel, setting records and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968. His professional career with the Buffalo Bills solidified his legacy, despite initial setbacks with injuries. By 1971, he became known for his exceptional speed, power, and agility, earning acclaim as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.
Mr. Simpson in 1973 during a football game between the Buffalo Bills and and the Baltimore Colts.Credit...John Iacono/Sports Illustrated, via Getty Images
In 1973, Mr. Simpson achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, surpassing a record previously held by Jim Brown, and was honored as the N.F.L.’s most valuable player. In 1975, he further showcased his dominance by leading the American Football Conference in both rushing and scoring. Following nine remarkable seasons, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, his hometown team, where he spent his final two years before retiring in 1979. At the time of his retirement, he held the distinction of being the highest-paid player in the league, commanding a salary exceeding $800,000. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive record of 61 touchdowns and over 11,000 rushing yards, earning him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
Concurrently with his football career, Mr. Simpson ventured into sports analysis for network television. He served as a color commentator for ABC from 1969 to 1977 and later for NBC from 1978 to 1982. Returning to ABC, he became a familiar face on “Monday Night Football” from 1983 to 1986.
In addition to his endeavors in sports, Mr. Simpson pursued acting, appearing in approximately 30 films and numerous television productions. His notable roles include appearances in the mini-series “Roots” (1977) and films such as “The Towering Inferno” (1974), “Killer Force” (1976), “Cassandra Crossing” (1976), “Capricorn One” (1977), and “Firepower” (1979). He also showcased his comedic talents in the popular movie series “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad” (1988) and its sequels.
Despite his foray into acting, Mr. Simpson remained pragmatic about his abilities, acknowledging that the public may not perceive him as a serious actor. “I’m a realist,” he remarked. “No matter how many acting lessons I took, the public just wouldn’t buy me as Othello
Mr. Simpson in a scene from the movie “The Cassandra Crossing” (1976). He appeared in some 30 films as well as television productions.Credit...AVCO Embassy Pictures, via Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection/Getty Images
Mr. Simpson exuded a congenial celebrity persona. He engaged freely with reporters and fans, readily signing autographs, posing for pictures with children, and displaying a humble demeanor in interviews. He consistently credited his teammates and coaches, who held him in high regard. Despite the era’s prevalent displays of Black power, his sole assertiveness was on the football field.
His affable, racially unassuming demeanor and widespread popularity made him an ideal candidate for endorsements. Even before entering the N.F.L., he secured lucrative deals, including a three-year, $250,000 contract with Chevrolet. Subsequently, he endorsed various products ranging from sporting goods to soft drinks and razor blades.
In 1975, Hertz elevated him as the first Black star in a national television advertising campaign. The memorable commercials depicted him dashing through airports and vaulting over counters to reach a Hertz rental car, resulting in a surge in Hertz rentals and solidifying O.J.’s face as one of the most recognizable in America.
In a poignant twist, Mr. Simpson essentially penned his own goodbye on the day of his arrest. As he rode in the Bronco with a gun to his head, his friend Robert Kardashian released a handwritten letter to the public, found at Simpson’s home. In the letter, Simpson expressed love for Ms. Simpson and vehemently denied her murder. “Don’t feel sorry for me,” he wrote. “I’ve had a great life, great friends. Please think of the real O.J. and not this lost person.” , mk