OJ Simpson, the former American football star whose life was marked by both athletic glory and infamous controversy, has passed away due to cancer at the age of 76. He died on Wednesday.
His family posted on his X account: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family.”
The San Francisco-born athlete, born Orenthal James Simpson, gained nationwide fame as a college football standout before making his mark in the NFL.
In 1994 he was arrested as a suspect in the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The subsequent media-frenzy trial, dubbed by many then as the “trial of the century,” captivated not only the US, but the world as Simpson was accused of the double homicide.
Despite a mountain of evidence presented by the prosecution, including blood, hair, and fibre tests implicating Simpson, the defence argued that he was framed by racially motivated police officers.
In a pivotal moment, Simpson struggled to fit into a pair of blood-stained gloves allegedly linked to the murders, leading to his lawyer Johnnie Cochrane’s now-iconic phrase, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”
The jury’s eventual decision to acquit Simpson of the charges sparked widespread controversy and debate. However, the families of Brown and Goldman pursued justice through a civil case, where Simpson was found liable for the deaths and ordered to pay substantial damages.
Despite his legal troubles, Simpson’s fall from grace was not complete until 2008, when he was convicted of armed robbery in Las Vegas. Simpson, along with accomplices, had broken into a hotel room, held sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint, and stolen items related to his NFL career. This incident led to a 33-year prison sentence, though Simpson was granted parole after serving nine years.
Throughout his life, Simpson was not only known for his athletic prowess but also for his ventures in acting and commercial endorsements. As one of the greatest ball carriers in NFL history, he left an indelible mark on the sport, notably becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973.
Simpson’s death, attributed to cancer, marks the end of a life filled with both triumph and tragedy, leaving behind a legacy that transcends sports and enters the realm of American cultural history.
Support independent journalism. AZP News is an independent news organisation that is not affiliated with any big business and depends solely on advertising to pay our bills. Therefore, we are asking for the generosity of our readers to help us with small donations of any amount, but we will be happy with $20, $50 or $100. Click Here to Donate
