ESPN Excludes OJ Simpson from ESPYs Memorial Segment Amid Controversy Over BET Awards’ Tribute to Accused Double-Murderer

No, OJ Simpson was not honored alongside Willie Mays, Jerry West and Bill Walton during the ‘in memoriam’ portion of Thursday’s ESPY Awards.

Simpson is shown during the In Memoriam portion of the show at the 2024 BET Awards

Of course, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the late Buffalo Bills legend and accused murderer would go unmentioned during the segment, which was aimed at honoring the sports legends who have passed away over the last 365 days.

But that wasn’t the case earlier at this month’s BET Awards, where that network was slammed for including the scandalized ex-con, who later served nine years in prison for armed robbery before dying of cancer in April at age 76.

Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and a her friend Ronald Goldman during the 1994 ‘trial of the century’ in Los Angeles, but was later found responsible for their deaths in a civil trial.

‘In the eyes of most people, regardless of an acquittal, OJ Simpson is a double murderer,’ Stephen A. Smith said on his podcast in response to the BET segment.

Host Serena Williams speaks on stage during the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre

Smith, like many, objected to Simpson’s defense attorneys accusing the LAPD of racism at his 1994 trial.

‘My attitude is this: OJ Simpson never gave a s**t about black people until he was indicted — never gave a damn,’ Smith said.

O.J. Simpson Featured in 2024 BET Awards "In Memoriam" Segment

‘Here’s the bigger issue, we should never be given a reason to talk about him again. We certainly shouldn’t be celebrating O.J. Simpson. I’m sorry. Not when two people were damn near decapitated and he was the prime suspect.’

And BET wasn’t the only major organization to honor Simpson following his death.

The Heisman Trophy’s X account also made a controversial post at the time.

O.J. Simpson Featured During 2024 BET Awards 'In Memoriam' Segment | Entertainment Tonight

‘The Heisman Trophy Trust mourns the passing of 1968 Heisman Torphy Winner OJ Simpson,’ read the post. ‘We extend our sympathy to his family.’

That post did not go down well with fans, who heavily criticized the graphic.

‘No one is mourning but you and his kids,’ one wrote.

‘Is this a parody account?’ another asked.

A different fan added: ‘My goodness……….get that resume up to date, Admin.’

ESPN avoided such criticism this week by simply omitting any mention of Simpson.

But that wasn’t the case in 1998, when host Norm Macdonald landed an infamous joke about Simpson.

The accused double murder had been ordered by the judge in his civil trial to pay the Goldman family $33.5 million, prompting Simpson to sell his Heisman at auction for a reported $255,500.

Addressing 1997 Heisman winner Charles Woodson at the 1998 ESPYs, Macdonald was sure to reference Simpson’s decision to unload his trophy.

‘And there’s Charles Woodson!’ Macdonald said during his monologue. ‘How about that? What a season he had. He became the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. Congratulations, Charles, that is something that no one can ever take away from you.’

Macdonald paused for effect before adding: ‘Unless you kill your wife and a waiter, in which case, all bets are off.’

Related Posts

Kyle Juszczyk and Wife Kristin Celebrate Tender Moment After 49ers’ 30-13 Victory Over Patriot

Kyle Juszczyk had an exciting Week 4. With WR and punt returner Jacob Cowing injured, the San Francisco 49ers had Juszczyk replace him. While not trained for the role, Juszczyk stepped up in the time of need, picking up eight yards during the game. Furthermore, …

Read more

George Kittle’s Wife Claire Celebrates Heartwarming Moment with Kristin Juszczyk and Sarah Taylor After 49ers’ SNF Victory

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New England Patriots 30-13 on Sunday afternoon. One of the three touchdowns they scored came from tight end George Kittle , who caught a pass from Brock Purdy in the second quarter. And from the stands, his wife Claire …

Read more

Buffalo Bills Legend and NFL Hall of Famer Billy Shaw Passes Away at 85 Due to Hyponatremia

By Daniel Matthews and Associated Press Published: 02:05 BST, 5 October 2024 | Updated: 03:05 BST, 5 October 2024 Buffalo Bills legend Billy Shaw has tragically died at the age of 85, his family announced on Friday. The Hall of Famer, who spent nearly …

Read more

Rachel Bush, Wife of Jordan Poyer, Accuses Kamala Harris of ‘Brainwashing Americans’ Over Social Media Ban Threat

Rachel Bush, wife of Miami Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer, isn’t one to hold back her thoughts when it comes to politics. Bush shared her thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday morning in a re-shared post on X. The post in question was a video …

Read more

Eagles’ Jalen Carter Claims 49ers Player Made Disrespectful Remarks About Late Ex-Teammate

San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano has some explaining to do. During a week 13 matchup with the 49ers, Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter alleges that Feliciano ““spoke on his dead teammate” which led to him being emotional at the …

Read more

Fists Fly as Cowboys Fan Launches Vicious Attack on Giants Rival During Tense NFL Showdown

By Jake Nisse Published: 16:53 BST, 27 September 2024 | Updated: 23:04 BST, 27 September 2024 As the Cowboys beat the Giants on the MetLife Stadium turf on Thursday night, there was another battle of sorts in the stands as one Dallas fan was recorded …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *