Heisman Trophy winning running back O.J. Simpson passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, his family announced on social media. He had been battling cancer.
Winning that impressive college football award is not what Mr. Simpson was known for during an up-and-down life. From a broader perspective, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is known more for being charged in the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994. His acquittal in the double-murder trial is among the most fascinating moments in modern American history.
An ultra-divisive figure, Simpson’s passing was met more with disdain over the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend. While he was found notguilty in a court room, the court of public opinion went in a different direction. In reality, he was largely ostracized around the United States in the years following that trial.
That’s what makes the Heisman Trophy’s official X account’s decision to honor Simpson so interesting. It also comes from the same body that stripped fellow former USC star Reggie Bush of his Heisman due to NCAA violations during his time with th Trojans.
Heisman Trophy Bashed For Double Standard In Honoring O.J. Simpson
There is no reason to speak ill of the dead. We can all come to our own conclusion about what Simpson’s legacy will be. For this one scribe, it’s a combination of his on-field brilliance during a HOF career with the Buffalo Bills as well as being linked to multiple crimes following his playing days.
We can debate Simpson’s legacy until we’re blue in the face. That doesn’t make the aforementioned tweet any less ridiculous given the Reggie Bush situation. Those on social media agreed.