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

NFL fans slam Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo for Lamar Jackson criticism

By JAKE FENNER Published: 20:17 GMT, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 20:19 GMT, 21 November 2024 Fans on social media slammed ESPN’s Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo for disrespecting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Wednesday morning’s episode of ‘First …

Read more

“They all kept it from my family,” Liam Payne’s father visited the hotel balcony and discovered a terrible secret

A Detailed Look into Liam Payne’s Cause of Death: What the Autopsy Revealed The sudden and tragic death of Liam Payne has left a void in the hearts of his fans, friends, and family. Known for his talent, charisma, and the love he inspired, Payne’s passing …

Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Taylor Swift Moves to Canada After Leaving the US Following MASSIVE RED WAVE: “US Sucks, I Love Canada”

Taylor Swift, one of the world’s most influential pop stars, has made headlines once again—this time for a decision that has stunned fans and sparked heated conversations across social media. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which resulted …

Read more

Ashley Roethlisberger Candidly Shares Insights on Overcoming Marital Challenges

The 2019 NFL season was a tumultuous one for Ben Roethlisberger. In Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Roethlisberger exited the game with an elbow injury. Following an examination, Roethlisberger learned…

Read more

Louis Tomlinson’s sweet gesture hours after Liam Panye’s funeral

By SEAN O’GRADY Published: 15:37 GMT, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 16:24 GMT, 21 November 2024 Louis Tomlinson  has donated a piece of sentimental fabric to community football club Grenfell Athletic’s ‘Fabric of the Community’ project. The club are creating …

Read more

Congratulations to one of the most amazing Super Star Kansas City Chiefs players.

Congratulations to one of the most amazing Super Star Kansas City Chiefs players. Patrick Mahomes and his wife welcome another bouncing baby boy after some delay… Fans, wish us well. Patrick Mahomes requested…   This is really God’s work. Kansas City …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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