Orenthal James Simpson, a star football player whose image was tarnished when he was accused of killing his ex-wife and her friend, has died. He was 76.
Simpson played in the National Football League for 11 seasons, including nine for the Buffalo Bills. He was considered one of the best running backs of all time.
However, his career accomplishments were overshadowed by his trial and controversial acquittal for the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in June 1994. He was acquitted on Oct. 3, 1995, following a televised trial colloquially called the “Trial of the Century.”
In a subsequent civil trial, Simpson was found liable for the murders.
In 2008, Simpson was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison after he was convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery at the Palace Station in Las Vegas. Simpson turned down a plea deal in which he would have served two-and-a-half years in prison.
“I realize now that I was stupid, I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I’m sorry, I’m sorry for all of it,” Simpson said at the time.
In 2017, a Nevada parole board voted to grant O.J. Simpson parole, according to media reports. During a parole hearing, Simpson said he has lived a “conflict-free life.”
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
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
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Orenthal James Simpson, a star football player whose image was tarnished when he was accused of killing his ex-wife and her friend, has died. He was 76.
