O.J. Simpson: The controversial footballer has died aged 76 following cancer battle

Orenthal James Simpson, known as O.J. Simpson, has passed away at the age of 76. His family shared the terrible news on the iconic footballer's X page. They shared the following message online:

On April 10, 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 respect his wishes for privacy and grace.

Born on July 9, 1947, he had established himself as one of the biggest names in the sport, before becoming one of the most polarising figures in American legal history.

O.J. Simpson shone at an early age on college football fields with the USC Trojans, winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968. Selected first overall in the 1969 NFL draft, he played primarily with the Buffalo Bills, where he set numerous records, including becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in an NFL season. This exceptional record earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, as well as the nickname 'The Juice', as he was renowned for his speed and incredible stamina.

O.J. Simpson on trial

However, Simpson's reputation took a dramatic turn in 1994, when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and the waiter at a restaurant she had visited that evening, Ron Goldman, were found murdered.The footballer was charged with the murders, triggering what was later dubbed 'the trial of the century'. Despite the overwhelming evidence and intense media coverage, O.J. Simpson, who had been defended by his close friend Robert Kardashian, Kim Kardashian's father, was acquitted in 1995.

The verdict had divided American public opinion, as the footballer's defense had played the racism card. From this historic trial, the public will also remember the now cult phrase

If it doesn't fit, you must acquit

This was muttered by lawyer Johnnie Cochran when the footballer failed to don the glove imputed to the killer.

O.J. Simpson's life post trial

After his acquittal, O.J. Simpson tried to lead a discreet life, but controversy continued to follow him. In 2007, he was arrested in Las Vegas for a series of crimes, including armed robbery and kidnapping, after a misguided attempt to recover sports memorabilia, including trophies. In 2008, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after nine years. He was released in October 2017.

O.J. Simpson's family life

Over the course of his life, O.J. Simpson married twice and had five children. His family life was marked by several tragedies, including the death of his daughter Aaren, who died in 1979, two months before her second birthday, after drowning in the family swimming pool. Since his release, the legendary former footballer had been living in Las Vegas, where he tried to maintain a low profile, occasionally sharing his opinions on football and justice on social networks. The death of such a celebrated and controversial figure as O.J. Simpson will leave no one indifferent...

This article has been translated from Voici.

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Sources used:

BBC:OJ Simpson: Former American footballer dies aged 76, family says

The Guardian: OJ Simpson, ex-NFL star who was acquitted of murder, dies aged 76