On Thursday morning, news was released that O.J. Simpson, the heavily controversial figure who was previously a football star, had succumbed to cancer at the age of seventy-six.
On April 10th, 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 please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.
-The Simpson Family
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
While most media platforms adhered closely to reporting the plain facts concerning Simpson’s demise, certain industry personalities didn’t hesitate in expressing their viewpoint on Simpson’s controversial history.
One such individual is Jeremy Schaap, an ESPN reporter.
Jeremy Schaap offered his reflection on O.J. Simpson's death.
"Anyone who has seriously looked at the evidence… would have to come to the conclusion that he was a murderer. And so am I filled with sorrow today? I'm not." pic.twitter.com/bSaVryiyok
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2024
Against the backdrop of standard reporter objectivity, Jeremy Schaap dared to be candid during a broadcast on SportsCenter.
He recalled tracing the roots of the scandal to the O’Hare Plaza Hotel, the temporary base for Simpson during the onset of the investigation.
This high-stakes episode was the launching pad for one of the most notorious criminal cases in American history.
Despite Simpson’s acquittal, Schaap didn’t mince his words on the significant weight of supporting evidence.
While acknowledging the legal ruling, Schaap made it clear that he found the compilation of evidence against Simpson tremendously compelling and not something to be dismissed lightly.
“I think we have to keep in perspective here – yes, he was acquitted. But anyone who has seriously looked at the evidence – anyone who saw Ezra Edelman’s brilliant film for ESPN about O.J. Simpson – would have to come to the conclusion that he was a murderer,” Schaap said. “And so, am I filled with sorrow today? I am not.”
This stunning verdict has always hung like an ominous cloud over Simpson’s once-celebrated career.
With eleven seasons under his belt, including impressive stints at the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, Simpson’s achievements were undeniably impressive.
However, they have been substantially eclipsed by the infamous trial and subsequent acquittal.
