Former NFL star and iconic actor, O.J. Simpson, passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer. The news of his death has sparked a heated debate about his legacy, as many people still hold a deep resentment towards him for being acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. Despite being a highly controversial figure, Simpson’s life and death have been covered extensively by the media, with The New York Times obituary being highly criticized for its sympathetic tone.
The New York Times obituary mentioned Simpson’s many successes on the football field and in the entertainment industry, but it also chose to focus on the downfall of his career and his involvement in the infamous murder trial. One line in particular caught the attention of readers, stating that Simpson’s world was ruined after being charged with killing his former wife and her friend. This phrasing was quickly changed after receiving backlash, but the damage had already been done.
The Times’ obituary also highlighted the impact of the murder trial, calling it an “inflection point on race in America.” This sentiment has been echoed by many people, as the trial shed light on the racial tension that still exists in the country. However, others argue that the focus on race has overshadowed the fact that two people were brutally murdered and that Simpson got away with it.
My thoughts on OJ Simpson’s death. He killed two people and used the actual deaths of people killed by racists decades before as justification for why he shouldn’t pay for his own crimes. He never asked for forgiveness or apologized. Rot in hell, Juice: pic.twitter.com/rsCkMxre0a
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) April 11, 2024
The New York Times wasn’t the only one to come under fire for its coverage of Simpson’s death. The official account of the Heisman Trophy, an award given to the best college football player each year, also faced criticism for honoring Simpson’s passing. Many questioned the decision to associate Simpson with his football achievements, as he was acquitted of the murders in 1995 and his legacy in the sport has been tarnished.
As news of Simpson’s death spread, opinions were divided. While some people mourned the loss of a football legend and movie star, others couldn’t forget his alleged crimes and refused to show any sympathy towards him. Popular sports commentator, Clay Travis, did not hold back in his thoughts, stating that Simpson never asked for forgiveness or apologized for his actions and that he deserves to “rot in hell.”
The debate surrounding Simpson’s legacy is nothing new. The murder trial and its outcome have been a source of controversy for years, further fueled by Simpson’s numerous scandals and run-ins with the law in the years that followed. Despite being acquitted, the majority of people firmly believe that Simpson is guilty and that justice was not served.
My thoughts on OJ Simpson’s death. He killed two people and used the actual deaths of people killed by racists decades before as justification for why he shouldn’t pay for his own crimes. He never asked for forgiveness or apologized. Rot in hell, Juice: pic.twitter.com/rsCkMxre0a
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) April 11, 2024
In the end, Simpson’s death serves as a reminder of the complicated and often dark side of fame and celebrity. His rise to football fame and fortune was overshadowed by a murder trial that left a permanent stain on his legacy, and his later years were marred by continued controversy. While some may choose to remember Simpson for his athletic and acting achievements, the shadow of his alleged crimes will always loom large. As the world remembers O.J. Simpson, it is important to acknowledge both the good and the bad, and to never forget the two lives that were taken too soon.
