OJ Simpson dies of cancer at 76

Former American football star OJ Simpson, who endured a spectacular fall from grace, has died after a battle with prostate cancer.

Simpson, who was acquitted for murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman, died from prostate cancer.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his family said. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”

“During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

The last few months of his life were said to have been spent in hospice.

OJ SIMPSON WAS A WORLD FAMOUS AMERICAN FOOTBALL STAR DURING HIS PLAYING DAY

Simpson carved a legendary path in professional football. He excelled at the University of Southern California, becoming a two-time unanimous All-American and even claiming the prestigious Heisman Trophy in his senior year.

This standout performance led him to be the number one overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.

During his NFL career, Simpson primarily played for the Buffalo Bills, though he finished his run with the San Francisco 49ers. He quickly established himself as a dominant running back, amassing numerous accolades.

He earned six Pro Bowl selections, garnered the title of NFL Player of the Year, and even shattered records. Notably, Simpson became the only player in history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season with only 14 games.

Simpson’s legacy in football is undeniable. He is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and remains revered as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

However, it’s important to remember that his later life and public image were significantly impacted by the highly publicised trial and subsequent acquittal for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

TRAGIC CASE

In 1994, O.J. Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn when he was accused of the double murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The ensuing trial became a media sensation, dubbed the “Trial of the Century.”

Simpson assembled a powerhouse legal team, nicknamed the “Dream Team,” which employed aggressive tactics and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, particularly regarding the handling of blood evidence by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Despite significant evidence, including blood at the crime scene that matched Simpson’s, the jury ultimately acquitted him in 1995. The verdict was met with widespread public controversy, dividing the nation along racial lines. While some believed Simpson was wrongly accused, others felt he had gotten away with murder.

Simpson’s legal troubles weren’t over. Though acquitted in criminal court, he was later found liable for the deaths in a separate civil lawsuit filed by the victims’ families in 1997.

In 2007, he faced imprisonment again. This time, he was convicted for armed robbery and kidnapping stemming from an incident involving sports memorabilia. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison but was paroled in 2017.

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