the trial of the century (video) –

It is not known whether he was more famous as a quarterback, as an actor in many American comedies or for that incredible car chase by the police in 1994, the media highlight of a trial that was sensational, in the United States and beyond. What we know is that today, at the age of 76, Orenthal James Simpson, better known as OJ, is no longer with us: «He lost his battle against cancer – announced his family on children and grandchildren.” OJ Simpson was a figure who embodied many facets and controversies, not only as an athlete but also and above all as a public figure. His name became synonymous with a sensational court case that shook the United States in the 1990s, but his entire career and life were very complex. Born on July 9, 1947 in San Francisco, California, OJ Simpson grew up in a suburban neighborhood of San Francisco and was an exceptional athlete from a young age, excelling in football throughout his school years. Selected first overall in the NFL draft in 1969 by the Buffalo Bills, his NFL career was extraordinary: known for his speed and agility, Simpson became one of the best running backs in the league, winning numerous awards and setting several records . In 1973 he was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, an achievement that helped consolidate his legend in the world of sport.

In addition to his football career, Simpson has also appeared in several films and television programmes, from Broken Hell to the zany comedy trilogy of The Naked Gun, earning himself a certain amount of fame outside of sport: However, it is his involvement in a murder case in 1994, the “trial of the century”, which brought him into the spotlight of the entire world. On June 12, 1994, Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were found murdered outside Nicole’s home in Los Angeles. What was triggered was one of the most media-focused and complex investigations in the criminal history of the United States. Simpson quickly became the prime suspect in the murder, and what would become known as the “Trial of the Century” began. The criminal trial of Simpson began in January 1995 and captured the attention of millions of people around the world.

Simpson’s defense attorney, Johnnie Cochran, became famous for his statement “If they don’t fit, you must acquit”, referring to the bloody glove found at the crime scene and on one of the gloves found at Simpson’s house. This argument, along with other factors, led to his acquittal in the criminal trial. Despite being criminally acquitted, Simpson was later found liable for the murder of the two in a civil trial in 1997. This decision led to a series of controversies and debates about justice in the American legal system. Since then, Simpson’s life has been marked by various ups and downs, including additional legal problems that led to his conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping in 2008, for which he served nine years in prison before being released in 2017. OJ Simpson has remained, to this day, a polarizing figure in American culture: his storied sports career has been overshadowed by allegations and controversies that have sparked discussions about race, celebrity, privilege and the justice system. His case continues to be studied and discussed in legal and media contexts as a complex example of how fame and wealth can influence the legal process and public perceptions of justice.