O.J. Simpson

Stephen A Smith Blasts The BET Awards For Honoring OJ Simpson

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Stephen A Smith gets mad. It’s what he does for a living. He’s an overreactor. That being said, he does provide some fair insights. SAS correctly called out Diddy for deleting the Cassie apology video. And he was understandably thrown by the fact that the BET Awards chose to pay tribute to O.J. Simpson. O.J. is about as controversial a pop culture figure as there is, and Smith felt there a BET tribute was not a fitting place to bring him up.

Stephen A Smith hashed all of this out on his self-titled podcast. He described the BET Awards as a celebration of Black culture, and Black excellence, in particular. As such, O.J. Simpson, a disgraced former NFL star, doesn’t fit Smith’s checklist. Worst, the analyst feels like it casts the rest of the Black entertainers in a negative light. “When you do something like this,” he told BET. “You got folks outside saying ‘see that.’ TMZ talking about it. NBC talking about it… When that kind of stuff happens, how do you think that benefits us?”

Read More: Stephen A Smith Is Sick And Tired Of The Bronny James Nepotism Criticism

Stephen A Smith Thought O.J.’s Tribute Looked Bad

Stephen A Smith used the O.J. tribute to make a broader point. “That’s a story we don’t get into nearly as much as we should,” he posited. “Did it ever occur to anybody?” Smith clarified that he does place blame on anybody in the audience, but rather the network. “Even though BET is owned by Paramount, there’s Black folks everywhere. All up in there. And that’s what we celebrate?” The analyst stated that the Black community is going to be held accountable for lionizing O.J. Simpson, whether it’s subliminally or not. “People are going to look at us with raised eyebrows,” he opined. “And think as a community, ‘oh you down with that.’”

This is not the first time Smith has given his opinion on O.J. Simpson. When the Hall of Fame athlete died in April, Smith criticized him for, well, getting away with murder. “Most people believe that he committed those murders,” he proclaimed. “If I was on the jury, he would’ve been under the damn jail. I know that much. I believe he was guilty, but I don’t know.” Given this aggressive stance, it should come as no surprise that the analyst does not want to be associated with Simpson anytime soon.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Urges Joe Biden To Drop Out Of Presidential Race

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O.J. Simpson’s Cause of Death Confirmed: Metastatic Prostate Cancer

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OJ Simpson

The cause of death for O.J. Simpson, the former Hall of Fame football player and controversial figure, has been revealed.

According to his longtime lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, Simpson died from metastatic prostate cancer at the age of 76 on April 10. PEOPLE notes Simpson had been battling the disease since announcing his diagnosis in May 2023, marking the end of a tumultuous life marked by both athletic achievements and legal controversies.

O.J. Simpson is headed for cremation. His brain will not contribute to scientific research on CTE

According to People, LaVergne stated, “His entire body, his brain, everything, his fake hips, his fake knees, everything. That all goes into the crematorium.” Simpson’s brain was inquired about by scientists, leading to a “hard no.”

“With O.J. everything’s wild, but I’ve been getting calls from medical centers that are doing CTE testing asking me for O.J.’s brain . . . that is not happening,” LaVergne said.

CTE symptoms include difficulty thinking, depression, impulsive behavior, short-term memory loss, and emotional instability.

In his final days alive, O.J. Simpson spoke with a close inner circle, but he did not offer up any confessions about the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

According to TMZ, a source shot down the rumor of a confession, claiming it was “totally false.”

The insider added, “Unless being thirsty and asking for water is a confession … or wanting to watch the golf tournament. Nothing about the LA thing came up or was even thought about.”

The L.A. Thing is a 1994 murder, launching one of the most high-profile trials in American history.

O.J. Simpson died with $114 million in debt. According to People, an attorney for Ron Goldman’s father claims the late American icon owed the Goldman family over $100 million before he died. Goldman was one of two people allegedly killed by Simpson in the early 1990s.

Simpson was ordered to pay the families of Goldman and his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, $33.5 million after being found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit in 1997. With no money paid, the Goldman family lawyer is citing interest.

“He died without penance,” attorney David Cook said of Simpson. “He did not want to give a dime, a nickel to Fred, never, anything, never.”

Cook also revealed lawyers before him attempted to obtain Simpson’s pension but were unsuccessful. The family is now trying to hire an attorney in states like Nevada, Florida, and California to find a resolution.

The post O.J. Simpson’s Cause of Death Confirmed: Metastatic Prostate Cancer first appeared on The Source.

The post O.J. Simpson’s Cause of Death Confirmed: Metastatic Prostate Cancer appeared first on The Source.

OJ Simpson’s Cause Of Death Confirmed

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The official cause of death for O.J. Simpson has been disclosed. Prostate cancer claimed the life of the infamous American figure. The death certificate for the disgraced former football player and actor has been obtained by Malcolm Lavergne, Simpson’s longtime attorney and the executor of his estate. His death certificate confirms rumors that O.J. passed away from cancer. Simpson spent months in hospice care before passing away on April 10th.

In May 2023, O.J. initially disclosed that he was battling cancer. O.J. Simpson did not specify the type of the illness, and he implied that he had overcome the disease. However, Simpson appeared weak in his final few public appearances; in January 2024, he even used a cane to walk. The former USC Trojan was active on social media in the months leading up to his death. Additionally, he made several appearances on podcasts and sports shows during the most recent Super Bowl. He was one of the most popular guests on Mase and Cam’ron’s podcast show It Is What It Is.

Read More: Caitlyn Jenner Says “Good Riddance” To OJ Simpson And Gets Lit Up Online For Being A Hyprocrite

OJ Simpson Died Of Prostate Cancer

O.J. Simpson and guests during 2005 MTV VMA – Ocean Drive Magazine’s Music05 party hosted by Jamie Foxx at Loews Hotel in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)

O.J. Simpson was sent home from hospice a few days before he passed away. He passed away with his loved ones by his side. Unsurprisingly, the reaction to his death was divided. Although some in the football world recalled Simpson as a great player, he is ultimately most known for being found not guilty of double murder in 1995. O.J. Simpson was accused of allegedly killing his then ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and friend, Ronald Goldman. The trial was a country-wide sensation and a milestone of popular culture in the 90s.

Most of the public persisted in believing that O.J. Simpson was to blame for the killings of Brown and Goldman, even after he was found not guilty. Goldman’s family eventually sued O.J. in civil court, and the latter was held guilty of both Brown’s and Goldman’s deaths and compelled to compensate the families with millions of dollars. Prior to his death, the majority of O.J.’s debt remained outstanding. Overall, O.J.’s passing has brought a wave of recollection of his life and the terrible murder that has been in the minds of our culture for almost three decades.

Read More: How Many Kids Does O.J. Simpson Have?

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How Many Kids Does O.J. Simpson Have?

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For most of his life, O.J. Simpson was a very popular figure. He was an outstanding athlete, had a career in the film industry, though he’s arguably also one of the most controversial figures in American history. Much has been written about his career in football, his trial for murder, and his subsequent legal entanglements. However, less attention has been paid to his family life. Behind the headlines and the courtroom drama, O.J. Simpson had significant family ties, and fathered several kids.

On April 10, 2024, the legendary athlete died at the age of 76 due to prostate cancer. While the news of his passing was overshadowed by his controversial legal issues, some people sympathized with his family. Following his death, many have also wondered about the family and kids of O.J. Simpson. He is succeeded by four children. Here’s what we know about them.

Read More: Jeanie Buss Tells Hilarious OJ Simpson Story

Arnelle Simpson

Born on December 4, 1968, Arnelle Simpson is the first of three kids O.J. Simpson shares with his first wife, Marguerite Whitley. Not much is known about the 55-year-old woman as she has lived a very private life. However, throughout her father’s legal troubles, she was very supportive of him. When she spoke to the parole board during a hearing in 2017 for her father, it was clear she loved him, despite everything.

“My experience with him is that he’s like my best friend and my rock,” she said. “As a family, we recognize he’s not the perfect man, but as a man and a father he has done his best to behave in a way that speaks to his overall nature and character,” she continued, emotional. It’s currently unknown what their relationship was like right before O.J. passed. However, Arnelle Simpson was certainly the most active and visible of O.J. Simpson’s kids throughout his complicated ordeal.

Jason Lamar Simpson

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Justin Simpson (@jsimpsonsales)

The second of O.J. and Marguerite’s kids, Jason Lamar Simpson was born on April 21st, 1970. In his early years, Jason was inseparable from his father, and was seen with The Juice often. However, after things took a tragic turn in 1994, their relationship took a hit. Although he is probably the most popular of the Simpson siblings, Jason lives a very private life. According to a piece published by The LA Times in 2017, he was working as a chef at St. Cecilia, a restaurant in Atlanta.

Read More: OJ Simpson Is Officially On Twitter

Aaren Simpson

On September 24th, 1977, O.J. Simpson and Marguerite Whitley welcomed the last of their three kids, Aaren Simpson. However, the child sadly drowned right before her second birthday in 1979. The incident shook the entire family. Simpson barely ever addressed it afterward.

Sydney Brooke Simpson

After Simpson and Whitley divorced in 1979, the former football player got together with Nicole Brown. Subsequently, the pair tied the knot on February 2, 1985. Several months after their marriage, O.J. and Nicole welcomed the first of their two kids, Sydney Brooke Simpson. She was born on October 17, 1985. Since her mother’s tragic death in 1994, Sydney’s relationship with her father has been strained. She moved to Florida with her brother Justin in 2000, where she has spent most of her time since. In 2010, she graduated from Boston University with a degree in Sociology. Sydney Brooke now works in real estate, and owns several properties in Florida.

Justin Ryan Simpson

Justin Ryan Simpson is the youngest of O.J. Simpson’s kids. He was born to the former football player and Nicole Brown on August 6, 1988. Like his older sister Sydney, Justin Ryan also works in real estate, but as a realtor. Despite the drama surrounding his late father and their family, the 35-year-old seems to have lived a good life. David Brobeck, Justin and Sydney’s godfather, told PEOPLE in April 2024, “They’ve grown up, and they have their own families now, and they’re doing really well.”

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O.J. Simpson’s Executor Says Goldman Will Get Paid Although Estate Had ‘Less Than Millions’

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O.J. Simpson’s Executor Says Goldman Will Get Paid Although Estate Had ‘Less Than Millions’

The late O.J. Simpson’s estate was not swimming in dough, and it is far from enough to clean up the debt owed to the family of murder victim Ron Goldman, who a civil jury found O.J. liable for his death. Simpson’s executor is not claiming poverty, but he claims the estate isn’t loaded either. 

Simpson’s longtime attorney, Malcolm LaVergne, who serves as the estate’s executor, was interviewed on TMZ. He spoke frankly about OJ’s financial predicaments at the time of his death. Malcolm said O.J. had less than five figures in one bank account in Nevada and, in the grand scheme, less than millions overall. 

In the end, O.J. was receiving social security, a pension from his career in the NFL, and some residuals as a rising actor, the latter before the unsolved murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. Malcolm said all that added to less than the $400K per year being reported. Simpson wasn’t broke and said he had lived well since being released on a robbery conviction in Nevada.

Malcolm also said some signed memorabilia can be sold when he says, “One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. Maybe some people will say, look, even though this means nothing to me … some guy who is fascinated with O.J. and has a lot of money will pay $50 thousand for it.’”

Last week, Malcolm alluded that the Goldman family would not get a single penny. He has since dramatically changed his stance, saying he’s happy to meet with Fred Goldman, Ron’s father, and pay what the law requires.

The Goldman and Brown families won their $33 million wrongful death lawsuit against O.J. back in 1997 after Simpson won his criminal murder trial. Now get this: with interest, that figure is now well over $100 million. Goldman has fought for 30 years to get what Simpson legally owes. We’ll see what happens here as the O.J. Simpson saga continues even after his death. 

The post O.J. Simpson’s Executor Says Goldman Will Get Paid Although Estate Had ‘Less Than Millions’ first appeared on The Source.

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O.J. Simpson’s Brain Will Not be Donated for CTE Research

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OJ Simpson

O.J. Simpson is headed for cremation. His brain will not contribute to scientific research on CTE.

According to Malcolm LaVergne, the executor of Simpson’s state, the arrangements for the funeral service have yet to be finalized.

According to People, LaVergne stated, “His entire body, his brain, everything, his fake hips, his fake knees, everything. That all goes into the crematorium.” Simpson’s brain was inquired about by scientists, leading to a “hard no.”

“With O.J. everything’s wild, but I’ve been getting calls from medical centers that are doing CTE testing asking me for O.J.’s brain . . . that is not happening,” LaVergne said.

CTE symptoms include difficulty thinking, depression, impulsive behavior, short-term memory loss, and emotional instability.

In his final days alive, O.J. Simpson spoke with a close inner circle, but he did not offer up any confessions about the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

According to TMZ, a source shot down the rumor of a confession, claiming it was “totally false.”

The insider added, “Unless being thirsty and asking for water is a confession … or wanting to watch the golf tournament. Nothing about the LA thing came up or was even thought about.”

The L.A. Thing is a 1994 murder, launching one of the most high-profile trials in American history.

O.J. Simpson died with $114 million in debt. According to People, an attorney for Ron Goldman’s father claims the late American icon owed the Goldman family over $100 million before he died. Goldman was one of two people allegedly killed by Simpson in the early 1990s.

Simpson was ordered to pay the families of Goldman and his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, $33.5 million after being found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit in 1997. With no money paid, the Goldman family lawyer is citing interest.

“He died without penance,” attorney David Cook said of Simpson. “He did not want to give a dime, a nickel to Fred, never, anything, never.”

Cook also revealed lawyers before him attempted to obtain Simpson’s pension but were unsuccessful. The family is now trying to hire an attorney in states like Nevada, Florida, and California to find a resolution.

The post O.J. Simpson’s Brain Will Not be Donated for CTE Research first appeared on The Source.

The post O.J. Simpson’s Brain Will Not be Donated for CTE Research appeared first on The Source.

Insider Denies Rumors O.J. Simpson Confessed to 1994 Murders Before His Death

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OJ Simpson

In his final days alive, O.J. Simpson spoke with a close inner circle, but he did not offer up any confessions about the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

According to TMZ, a source shot down the rumor of a confession, claiming it was “totally false.”

The insider added, “Unless being thirsty and asking for water is a confession … or wanting to watch the golf tournament. Nothing about the LA thing came up or was even thought about.”

The L.A. Thing is a 1994 murder, launching one of the most high-profile trials in American history.

O.J. Simpson died with $114 million in debt. According to People, an attorney for Ron Goldman’s father claims the late American icon owed the Goldman family over $100 million before he died. Goldman was one of two people allegedly killed by Simpson in the early 1990s.

Simpson was ordered to pay the families of Goldman and his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, $33.5 million after being found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit in 1997. With no money paid, the Goldman family lawyer is citing interest.

“He died without penance,” attorney David Cook said of Simpson. “He did not want to give a dime, a nickel to Fred, never, anything, never.”

Cook also revealed lawyers before him attempted to obtain Simpson’s pension but were unsuccessful. The family is now trying to hire an attorney in states like Nevada, Florida, and California to find a resolution.

O.J. Simpson died at age 76. The NFL great passed away on Wednesday night surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Simpson died after a battle with cancer. TMZ notes it was prostate cancer.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. His children and grandchildren surrounded him. During this transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” Simpson’s family wrote on X.

Orenthal James Simpson, widely known as O.J. Simpson, rose to fame not only through his accomplishments on the football field but also due to the notorious events surrounding the double murder of his estranged wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Simpson’s athletic prowess became evident during his college years at the University of Southern California (USC), where he excelled as a running back. His exceptional performances led to a successful transition to professional football, where he became one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport.

Simpson’s football career reached its pinnacle during his time with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the sport. Simpson’s achievements on the gridiron earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

However, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn with the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman on June 12, 1994. The subsequent trial, famously dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation as it unfolded over 11 months. Simpson assembled a formidable legal team, including prominent attorney Johnnie Cochran, who famously coined the phrase, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” in reference to the ill-fitting glove presented as evidence.

Despite compelling evidence linking Simpson to the murders, including DNA evidence and the discovery of incriminating items at the crime scene and his estate, the defense successfully persuaded the jury to deliver a verdict of not guilty on both counts of murder on October 3, 1995.

Years later, Simpson found himself back in the spotlight, this time for his involvement in a 2007 armed robbery in Las Vegas. After serving nearly nine years in federal prison, Simpson was granted parole on July 20, 2017, with the possibility of release as early as October 1, 2017, pending completion of court-mandated classes and therapy.

Despite his tumultuous legal battles and controversies, O.J. Simpson’s legacy remains intertwined with both his remarkable achievements on the football field and the enduring mystery surrounding the tragic events that unfolded off the field.

The post Insider Denies Rumors O.J. Simpson Confessed to 1994 Murders Before His Death first appeared on The Source.

The post Insider Denies Rumors O.J. Simpson Confessed to 1994 Murders Before His Death appeared first on The Source.

O.J. Simpson Left Over $100M in Debt to Family of Ron Goldman

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OJ Simpson

O.J. Simpson died with $114 million in debt. According to People, an attorney for Ron Goldman’s father claims the late American icon owed the Goldman family over $100 million before he died. Goldman was one of two people allegedly killed by Simpson in the early 1990s.

Simpson was ordered to pay the families of Goldman and his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, $33.5 million after being found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit in 1997. With no money paid, the Goldman family lawyer is citing interest.

“He died without penance,” attorney David Cook said of Simpson. “He did not want to give a dime, a nickel to Fred, never, anything, never.”

Cook also revealed lawyers before him attempted to obtain Simpson’s pension but were unsuccessful. The family is now trying to hire an attorney in states like Nevada, Florida, and California to find a resolution.

O.J. Simpso died at age 76. The NFL great passed away on Wednesday night surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Simpson died after a battle with cancer. TMZ notes it was prostate cancer.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal 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,” Simpson’s family wrote on X.

Orenthal James Simpson, widely known as O.J. Simpson, rose to fame not only through his accomplishments on the football field but also due to the notorious events surrounding the double murder of his estranged wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

Born on July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Simpson’s athletic prowess became evident during his college years at the University of Southern California (USC), where he excelled as a running back. His exceptional performances led to a successful transition to professional football, where he became one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport.

Simpson’s football career reached its pinnacle during his time with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season in 1973, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the sport. Simpson’s achievements on the gridiron earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

However, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn with the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman on June 12, 1994. The subsequent trial, famously dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation as it unfolded over 11 months. Simpson assembled a formidable legal team, including prominent attorney Johnnie Cochran, who famously coined the phrase, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” in reference to the ill-fitting glove presented as evidence.

Despite compelling evidence linking Simpson to the murders, including DNA evidence and the discovery of incriminating items at the crime scene and his estate, the defense successfully persuaded the jury to deliver a verdict of not guilty on both counts of murder on October 3, 1995.

Years later, Simpson found himself back in the spotlight, this time for his involvement in a 2007 armed robbery in Las Vegas. After serving nearly nine years in federal prison, Simpson was granted parole on July 20, 2017, with the possibility of release as early as October 1, 2017, pending completion of court-mandated classes and therapy.

Despite his tumultuous legal battles and controversies, O.J. Simpson’s legacy remains intertwined with both his remarkable achievements on the football field and the enduring mystery surrounding the tragic events that unfolded off the field.

The post O.J. Simpson Left Over $100M in Debt to Family of Ron Goldman first appeared on The Source.

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Robert Shapiro Net Worth 2024: What Is The O.J. Simpson Trial Defense Attorney Worth?

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Robert Shapiro is an acclaimed American lawyer known for his involvement in several landmark legal cases. He has skillfully navigated the complex landscape of American law. His legal acumen and high-profile clientele have established him as a prominent attorney and a successful entrepreneur. By 2024, Shapiro’s diverse career and business endeavors in the legal tech industry have culminated in a net worth of $100 million, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth.

Robert Shapiro
OJ Simpson (G) comparait au tribunal pour le meutre de sa femme et d’un serveur, suivi d’un délit de fuite, en campagnie de son avocat Robert Shapiro (Photo by Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images)

Shapiro’s career took a definitive turn towards national recognition during the early 1990s when he served as part of the defense team in the O.J. Simpson trial. This case brought him immense public attention and highlighted his skills as a defense attorney. Beyond the Simpson trial, Shapiro has represented numerous celebrities and high-profile clients. This also enhances his reputation for managing particularly challenging and media-intensive cases. His legal practice has consistently focused on criminal defense and civil litigation. It proved his versatility and command over various facets of the law.

Robert Shapiro
Defense Attorneys Johnnie Cochran (L) and Robert Shapiro (R) stand in front of evidence board at the. OJ Simpson trial, Los Angeles, California, July 5, 1995. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

Apart from his legal practice, Shapiro has ventured into the business side of law. This is particularly true legal technology. He co-founded LegalZoom, a widely used legal document and legal services web platform that has revolutionized how the public accesses legal help. LegalZoom’s success reflects Shapiro’s foresight into the evolving needs of legal consumers and his ability to innovate and capitalize on technology trends within the legal field.

Philanthropy & Personal Development

Robert Shapiro
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Demi Lovato, Robert Shapiro and Linell Shapiro attend. The Brent Shapiro Foundation Summer Spectacular on September 9, 2017, also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for The Brent Shapiro Foundation )

Moreover, Shapiro is also dedicated to philanthropic efforts, particularly in drug addiction and rehabilitation. This cause is personal to Shapiro, stemming from his son’s tragic death due to drug-related issues. His foundation aims to provide education, help, and resources to fight addiction, underscoring his commitment to giving back to the community and impacting lives beyond the courtroom. Robert Shapiro’s strategic approach to law and business has effectively merged his expertise in legal services with innovative entrepreneurial ventures. His professional journey and contributions to society highlight a multifaceted career that has brought him financial success and a respected legacy in legal advocacy and charitable endeavors.

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OJ Simpson: A Controversial Life & Legacy

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OJ Simpson passed away on April 10 at the age of 76. The former football star, who was acquitted during the so-called “trial of the century” in 1995, had been suffering a lengthy battle with prostate cancer, which included multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Months before his passing, Simpson uploaded a video to social media responding to rumors that he was in hospice care as he struggled with cancer. In the video, OJ Simpson laughed and assured his followers that he was not in hospice care and that his health was of no concern.

Undoubtedly, OJ Simpson’s life and legacy are highly controversial, largely overshadowed by his 1995 trial, where he faced accusations of committing a violent and gruesome double homicide. Despite Simpson’s acquittal, the general public has persisted in viewing him as a murderer for the past 30 years, and subsequent civil trials have reinforced his connection to the deaths. As a result, there have been a wide array of responses to the announcement of the football champion’s passing. Let’s take a look back at OJ Simpson’s life and career.

OJ’s Early Life & Budding Football Career

OJ Simpson was born and raised in San Francisco, California in 1947. OJ and his family lived in low-income housing projects throughout his childhood, exposing him to poverty and gang violence from a young age. As a teenager, OJ ran with a street gang known as the Persian Warriors until he was persuaded by youth councilors and baseball star Willie Mays to pursue sports as a means of securing a more lucrative future.

Simpson played football throughout high school, though his poor academic performance prevented him from receiving a full scholarship to college. Still determined to make it out of the slums, Simpson enrolled at San Francisco’s City Community College, where he continued to hone his skills as a running back and defensive back. His college performance on the field was so strong that several schools reached out to recruit OJ, leading him to transfer to USC. By his senior year in 1968, OJ Simpson earned some impressive accolades, including a Maxwell Award, a Walter Camp Award, and even a Heisman Trophy.

NFL & Media Career

OJ Simpson spent 11 seasons playing in the NFL, the majority of which were with the Buffalo Bills. His field records provided national attention and saw him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. By the time OJ retired in 1979, he was the only player in NFL history to rush over 2,000 yards in a 14-game season and remains the only player to rush for over 200 yards in six games. While his NFL career was ongoing, Simpson began acting in Hollywood productions, making him one of the most recognizable and revered figures in pop culture and entertainment. OJ Simpson starred in dozens of film and television placements, including The Towering Inferno, Roots, 1st & Ten, Frogmen, and many installments in The Naked Gun film franchise.

1995 Trial

If you’re under the age of 40, you likely know OJ Simpson best for his role in the landmark murder trial that stunned the nation. In June of 1994, OJ Simpson faced accusations of violently murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest by the Los Angeles police, Simpson attempted to flee in a white Ford Bronco driven by his long-time friend and former teammate, Al Cowlings. Simpson positioned himself in the back of the car with a gun to his head, threatening suicide if the police attempted to apprehend him. This moment was extensively televised, even interrupting coverage of the 1994 NBA Finals broadcast.

From there, the media circus surrounding the trial only grew, with some calling the event “the trial of the century.” Prosecutors presented DNA evidence indicating OJ Simpson’s presence on the night of the murder, along with a long-documented history of abuse that Nicole Brown had endured during their marriage. The defense, spearheaded by a team of lawyers including Johnnie Cochran, contended that corrupt and racist police officers had compromised the crime scene. Officer Mark Fuhrman, in particular, faced accusations of using racial slurs, as recorded on tape. He was later charged with perjury for falsely denying the use of these slurs while under oath.

Because of this, the trial quickly caused a racial divide within the United States, with media outlets reporting that Black people were significantly more likely to believe Simpson’s innocence due to the robust history of corruption surrounding the LAPD. The situation was further intensified by the Rodney King race riots in Los Angeles, which had rocked the community just a few years earlier.

In a shocking verdict, the jury found OJ Simpson not guilty of the murders. Over 100 million nationwide tuned in to watch the verdict announced via television and radio. No additional arrests have occurred in connection with the murders, and despite Simpson’s claims of innocence over the past three decades, most Americans still believe he is guilty. A few years after the initial trial, the victims’ families brought a civil suit against Simpson, finding him liable for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. Consequently, the court ordered him to pay out millions to the Goldman and Brown families.

As a result of the verdict, OJ Simpson was subject to scrutiny from the media and authorities, such as the FBI, for the rest of his life. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Simpson faced a slew of investigations, including allegations of money laundering, ecstasy possession, and road rage violations. In 2007, authorities convicted him on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, sentencing him initially to 33 years in prison. He benefited from an early release program and returned home in 2017.

OJ Simpson’s Memory

Following the announcement of OJ Simpson’s death, the public reacted with mixed feelings. Neither the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, nor USC issued any public condolences for OJ’s passing. Public figures such as Caitlyn Jenner and Stephen A. Smith have weighed in, with the latter stating OJ was “One of the greatest athletes we have ever seen… But it all pales in comparison to him being perceived as a double murderer.”

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