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

Abandoned and Starving Pup Tied Up in a Garden Finally Finds His Fairytale Ending

How can any dog owner betray their canine and put their precious lives in danger without feeling the slightest bit of remorse? A little pup felt hopeless after his heartless owners let him down and left him tied up in a garden without any food or water. …

Read more

Dak Prescott Fawns Over Daughter MJ Rose as Girlfriend Sarah Janes Shares Adorable Update: ‘This Smile Is My Life!’

Parents to a three-month-old baby, MJ Rose, Dak Prescott and his girlfriend Sarah Jane cannot get enough of their daughter. The NFL couple continues to fawn over their baby, sharing their love with millions of followers online. In an Instagram post, Jane …

Read more

Mavericks Receive Surprising NBA Finals Insight from Cowboys’ Micah Parsons

DALLAS — Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons attended an event at Raising Cane’s Post Malone and Cowboys restaurant in Dallas on Tuesday afternoon. Parsons worked a “shift” and served food to customers. He also took some time to speak to reporters at the …

Read more

Veteran Wide Receiver Gets Engaged to Fitness Coach After Reunion with the Chiefs

| Sep 14, 2024 JuJu Smith-Schuster is officially off the market. The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver, who recently re-signed with the team following his release from the New England Patriots, proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Laura Kruk. The couple …

Read more

Jason Kelce’s Wild Ride: From Washing a Cybertruck Shirtless to Peeing in a Bush for a Beer Ad

| Sep 15, 2024 Shirtless Jason Kelce is back in action, and this time, it’s for a hilarious new beer commercial. The former Philadelphia Eagles center recently shared the story behind his latest ad during an episode of his New Heights podcast, which he …

Read more

Shane Gillis Stuns in Retro 1980s Eagles Gear with Viral Girlfriend at Philadelphia Game

| Sep 17, 2024 Shane Gillis, typically known for stirring up viral moments with his edgy humor, found himself in the spotlight for a different reason recently. The die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan turned heads with his presence at San Francisco 49ers …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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