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

Hailee Steinfeld, Fiancée of Bills QB Josh Allen, Sends Shockwaves With Emotional Plea for Prayers—Fans Are Left Wondering Why!

Getty Actress Hailee Steinfeld and Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card Round on Sunday, January, 12. After clinching their fifth consecutive AFC East title and the No. 2 seed, the Bills earned home-field …

Read more

Ideas de Tatuajes Perfectos para Padres e Hijos que Celebran el Amor y la Unión Familiar como Nunca Antes!

Encontrar el tatuaje perfecto para honrar el vínculo único entre un padre y su hijo es una aventura llena de significado. Estos diseños van más allá de la simple tinta sobre la piel: son un testimonio de amor, apoyo y recuerdos compartidos para toda la vida. Esta colección…

Read more

Discover Elegant and Charming Feminine Tattoo Designs That Will Captivate Your Heart and Perfectly Complement Your Style!

That’s right, friend. If you want a beautiful tattoo design, you’ve come to the right place. These are a bunch of beautiful tattoos that have become popular in 2023 and were carefully put together just for you. We’d love for you to keep reading …

Read more

Elon Musk Unveils the Next-Gen Tesla Cybertruck: Groundbreaking Design, Performance Upgrades, and First Look!

Desigп Evolυtioп: Exterior:  The пew Cybertrυck retaiпs its icoпic aпgυlar desigп bυt iпtrodυces refiпed aerodyпamics aпd a more streamliпed profile. The staiпless steel exoskeletoп has beeп reiпforced for iпcreased dυrability, aпd the vehicle пow featυres …

Read more

¡Descubre las Ideas Más Impresionantes para Tatuajes en la Muñeca que Transformarán Tu Estilo y Te Harán Destacar con Orgullo!

Los tatuajes en la muñeca están volviendo con fuerza. Y a la gente le encantan por una razón. A diferencia de un tatuaje en la manga o un tatuaje en la espalda, son visibles la mayor parte del tiempo. Por eso, los tatuajes en la muñeca son más bien un recordatorio, tatuajes dedicados a nosotros mismos. …

Read more

Jason Kelce’s Wife Kylie Shares Adorable Video of 4-Year-Old Wyatt Asking Uncle Travis About Marrying Taylor Swift—His Reply Has Fans Saying ‘Travis Is in Trouble!’

It’s a secret so hot it could have melted the Buffalo snow, and it was sealed with a kiss on New Year’s Eve. Fans swooned over pictures of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s midnight kiss in Kansas City – but little did they know the couple was not only …

Read more

Leave a Reply

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