O.J. Simpson, the infamous former football star and public figure, has died from prostate cancer. His death has stirred reactions from USC, which has largely remained silent, and families involved in his legal battles, underscoring his complex legacy.
O.J. Simpson, the former University of Southern California (USC) football star and controversial public figure, died from prostate cancer at the age of 76 in Las Vegas. Despite his significant contributions to USC’s football legacy, including a retired jersey and a Heisman Trophy, the university chose not to publicly acknowledge his death. Lincoln Riley, the current USC coach, provided the institution’s only remarks, acknowledging Simpson’s historical impact on USC football and offering condolences to his family.
Simpson’s death also resonated with the families involved in his notorious legal past. The Goldman family, whose son Ronald Goldman and Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson were killed in 1994, remain committed to seeking justice. Despite Simpson’s acquittal in the criminal trial, he was found liable for the murders in a civil trial and ordered to pay $33.5 million, a sum the Goldmans are still attempting to collect.
Fred Goldman, Ronald’s father, stated that the hope for true accountability ended with Simpson’s death. The Goldmans’ attorney confirmed their continued efforts to pursue the outstanding civil judgment. Additionally, Gloria Allred, representing Nicole Brown Simpson’s family, emphasized the perceived failure of the justice system in protecting victims like Nicole.
Simpson’s legacy remains a complex and contentious topic, reflecting the difficulties in reconciling his celebrated athletic achievements with his subsequent criminal and civil trials.
