Readers of this fine column, I beseech you to take caution when reading this week’s Jay’s Way as I will be expressing a highly controversial take regarding the recent passing of O.J. Simpson. I know that even the mention of Simpson sparks a flurry of emotions for many who lived through the tumultuous trail of the century nearly 30 years, but with his recent passing, I wanted to reflect on Simpson as a renowned athlete during his playing career and the impact he has left on the country as a whole.
Now before you start sharpening your pitchforks and cracking your knuckles in preparation of a riotous reaction toward my column, just hear me out, will ya?
I understand the dialogue around Simpson is venomous and blood-curdling, but I vehemently believe in the stance that because a trial acquitted him of all charges and found him not guilty for the murders of
Nicole Brown-Simpson and Ron Goldman, that Simpson did not commit the heinous acts. I know our justice system isn’t all that just and it can offer certain leniency on celebrities and powerful figures and Simpson was able to garner himself a Dream Team of defense attorneys that ultimately helped sway the jury’s favor.
A true example of hating the game rather than the player…well, I’m sure plenty hated both. I stand by my own convictions and while the not guilty-plea is understandably an upsetting one for the victims’ families and countless others, the court system went through its progressions and the jury was persuaded to acquit him based on the lack of direct evidence linking Simpson to the murders. Also, the glove didn’t fit, so you must acquit–had to get that in there.
Granted, a civil trial did find Simpson guilty of the two counts and he had to pay compensatory damages to Goldman’s family. The trial itself was a landmark TV spectacle from the Bronco chase on the interstate to the preliminary hearings to Simpson trying to squeeze the leather glove onto his hand to no avail.
I was barely able to walk and talk during this time, but the ESPN Documentary “OJ: Made in America” details nearly eight hours of information regarding the cultural significance the trial had on race relations, the
validity of the justice system, and finding out who Simpson truly was as a human being. I highly recommend that
documentary to anyone who wants to fully grasp the
absolute obsession the country had regarding the trial from its beginning to its highly divisive end–but make sure to schedule out an entire afternoon or two evenings because you know…eight hours.
You have to consider that the mid-90s was one of the turning points for the country when it came to accessible public television for millions of households, so a trial that lasted months drew everyone to the TV screens for every ticking second of the trial. It’s difficult to pinpoint another event that has captured a
nation’s undivided attention other than 9/11–that’s how much magnitude the trial has on
American culture.
I could spend the rest of this column speaking about the trial and if Simpson did or did not commit those crimes, but I would rather reflect on the good Simpson was able to provide many sport lovers during his playing days. Simpsons was a prolific running back and
arguably one of the greatest at the position in the NFL and college; he was a two-time unanimous All-American at USC and won the 1968 Heisman Trophy.
His combination of brute strength and speed made him a nightmare for defenses and while he wasn’t as dynamic at the start of his pro career,
between 1972-1976, Simpson led the league in rushing yards four out of five seasons. In fact, his dominance during those five seasons produced 2500 more rushing yards than any other back in the league. He was named MVP in 1973 after he became the first running back in NFL history to rush for more than 2000 yards (there’s only eight backs in that club) en route to breaking Jim Brown, another legendary back, single-season rushing record.
His accomplishments on the field during his career earned him six Pro Bowls, five
selections as a first-team All Pro, named to the All-Decade team of the 1970s, and is a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1985. His post-career had him transition to Hollywood as he became a prominent part in the Naked Gun movies that spanned the late 80s to early 90s. I’m not saying he was a great actor by any stretch, but to see Juice let loose on a Hollywood set and poke fun of himself made him an endearing and sympathetic character to many who watched the films.
I know writing about O.J. is an incredibly precarious minefield to navigate, but I think back on many of the times we
struggle with separating the art from the artist or understanding that we know absolutely very
little about the athletes and celebrities we tend to admire. Simpson especially was a short-tempered man who was prone to fits of sudden rage–a common behavioral trait in superior athletes.
His family and friends will mourn his death while a scorned nation will once again debate his life. Of course, the dark cloud that swirls around his legacy will forever make discussion about him a difficult one to have, but it’s important to remember the entire arc of someone’s life…not just their worst moments.