OJ. Simpson, one of the most popular and controversial players in the NFL, accused of homicide, died this Wednesday at 76 years of age due to prostate cancer.
The death of the former NFL player was reported by his family, according to the TMZ network.
“On April 10, 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 respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” the family reported on X.
OJ Simpson’s career in the NFL
Born in San Francisco in 1947, OJ Simpson became a college football legend with the University of Southern California (USC).
Known as “The Juice,” he dazzled with his speed and power as a runner, breaking records and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968.
His talent took him to the NFL where he shined with the Buffalo Bills, setting records for rushing yards in a single season (2,003) and in a career (2,003). Later, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he retired in 1979.
The controversial moment in the life of OJ Simpson
In 1994, OJ Simpson’s life took a drastic turn. His ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and his friend Ron Goldman were found brutally murdered.
Simpson became the main suspect and a nationally televised trial began that captured the attention of the entire world.
The case divided public opinion along racial lines, with accusations of racism in the police investigation. Ultimately, OJ Simpson was acquitted by the jury in a verdict that remains controversial.
OJ Simpson arrest in 2007
On September 13, 2007, OJ Simpson and five armed men broke into a hotel room in Las Vegas to recover sports memorabilia that Simpson claimed had been stolen from him.
The charges against him included:
Armed robbery
Kidnapping
Assault
Coercion
Threats
In 2008, Simpson was convicted and sentenced to a minimum of 9 years in prison and a maximum of 33 years.
Conditional freedom
In July 2017, after serving 9 years in prison, Simpson was released on parole. The Nevada parole board granted him parole by a majority vote, considering his good behavior in prison, his age and his low risk of recidivism.