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Controversy-ridden athlete-turned-actor OJ Simpson, best known for his acquittal in what was widely dubbed the ‘trial of the century’, has passed away at the age of 76. Orenthal James Simpson, born in San Francisco and famed initially for his college football prowess, later become one of the most divisive figures in American history.
Proving his mettle on the football field, Simpson’s remarkable performance at the University of Southern California set the groundwork for a stellar career in the NFL. His tenure with the Buffalo Bills from 1969 to 1977 saw him becoming one of the most successful ball carriers in NFL history. His retirement in 1979 led to a successful stint in television and cinema, including roles in ‘Towering Inferno’, ‘Capricorn One’ and the ‘Naked Gun’ series.
However, his football triumphs and blossoming acting career were overshadowed in 1994 when Simpson was identified as a key suspect in the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. Despite evidence linking Simpson to the crime, his defense team successfully argued that he was framed by racially-motivated law enforcement. A crucial turning point came when Simpson struggled to wear a pair of blood-stained gloves found at the crime scene, prompting defense lawyer Johnnie Cochrane’s iconic statement, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”
The jury’s acquittal verdict was met with considerable controversy, dividing public opinion intensely. Simpson’s legal woes were far from over, having been ordered to pay $33.5m in damages in 1997 following a successful civil case pursued by the families of Brown and Goldman. A decade later, a conviction of armed robbery cost him 33 years in prison, of which he served the minimum of nine years.
Family members announced Simpson’s death due to cancer, specifying that he was “surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
His passing prompts a complex cocktail of reactions, ranging from the sympathetic commiseration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to the dismissive sentiments of Goldman’s father.
Information Box:
– OJ Simpson (1947 – 2024)
– Former Athlete, Actor, and Convicted Criminal
– NFL Teams Played for: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers
– Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1985
– Criminal Trials: Acquitted in 1995 for Brown-Goldman murders; Convicted in 2008 for armed robbery.
– Civil Lawsuit: Found liable for Brown-Goldman deaths in 1997, ordered to pay $33.5m in damages.
– Died from cancer at 76
References:
1: BBC – OJ Simpson, NFL star acquitted in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76
2: TMZ – O.J. Simpson Dead at 76 After Cancer Battle
3: Twitter – The Simpson Family statement