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

Former Soldier Reveals 1880 Area 51 Photo of Alien Descending from UFO

According to the source, these “alien” creatures will cause the death of most living things on the planet… and it seems that these monsters will appear from the ground where they have bred for many years, preparing to take over the entire known …

Read more

Una Historia de Resiliencia y Triunfo: Superando un Abismo Implacable

Una historia inspiradora de resiliencia y triunfo sobre un abismo implacable En un mundo a menudo ensombrecido por desafíos y adversidades, las historias de resiliencia y triunfo sirven como faros de esperanza. Una de esas historias es la de Marcus, …

Read more

Ancient Peruvian Shicra Technology: 5,000-Year-Old Earthquake-Resistant Foundations

The **Shicra technology**, originating over 5,000 years ago in ancient Peru, represents a remarkable innovation in seismic engineering. Used by the Caral-Supe civilization, one of the oldest known urban cultures…

Read more

Researchers Discover Evidence of 2.5 Billion T. Rex Through Extensive Fossil Collection

In a ɡгoᴜпdЬгeаkіпɡ revelation that has captivated the scientific community, researchers have uncovered a staggering statistic about the foгmіdаЬɩe Tyrannosaurus Rex: an estimated 2.5 billion of these сoɩoѕѕаɩ ргedаtoгѕ once roamed the eагtһ. This …

Read more

Kristin Juszczyk Reinvented Game Day Style to Cheer on Husband Kyle Juszczyk and the 49ers

Kyle Juszczyk ’s wife, Kristin Juszczyk , has changed the game when it comes to NFL sideline style. Kristin, who married the San Francisco 49ers fullback in 2019, is known for repurposing team jerseys and other gear into chic outfits. “I’m like, ‘Wow, …

Read more

Mitchell Trubisky and Wife Flaunt Their Fit Physiques During a Sun-Soaked Honeymoon in Cabo

Need a quick virtual escape?? NFL QB Mitchell Trubisky and his new wife, Hillary , are here to help — with the newlyweds showing off their amazing honeymoon in Cabo … and they look incredible!! The Trubiskys — who got hitched last weekend …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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