O.J. Simpson, pro-football hall of famer, died April 18 from cancer at the age of 76. O.J. Simpson was known for many things, from playing running back for the Buffalo Bills to being accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her male friend, Ronald Goldman. While some consider O.J. Simpson’s death a tragedy, the true tragedy is that he never took responsibility for the murders.
From white Broncos to gloves that “didn’t fit,” the murder trials of O.J. Simpson captured the attention of millions of people around the nation. The defense team, led by attorney Johnnie Lee Cochran Jr., used theatrics as well as the brutal police beating of Rodney King to secure the former running back’s acquittal. The trial overall showed how the public perceived law enforcement’s treatment of people of color.
O.J. Simpson does not deserve any sympathy, though. He used the time between his acquittal and his death to do almost everything except admit to his alleged involvement in murders. O.J. Simpson even published a 2007 book titled “If I Did It: Confessions of a Killer.” In the book, he provides a “hypothetical” method he would use if he did commit the murders.
O.J. Simpson obviously did not regret what happened to Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman, even joking about the murders in a famous interview with reporter Ruby Wax. He pretended to stab the reporter when she opened the door to her room.
The O.J. Simpson trial taught millions an important lesson: we need to believe victims of domestic violence. According to the Daily Record, Nicole Brown Simpson called 9-1-1 a few days before the murder, claiming her ex-husband was “ranting and raving.” O.J. Simpson even allegedly “beat the holy hell out of her” in 1989, according to the Daily Record.
If the police believed Nicole Brown Simpson’s claims, maybe she would be alive right now. We have taken steps in the right direction with the Violence Against Women Act, which spent $1.6 billion in grants to help in the fight to prevent domestic violence. These preventive measures range from police training to the launch of the National Domestic Abuse Hotline that domestic abuse survivors can use for support and advice. However, more steps need to be taken to protect victims of domestic violence.
O.J. Simpson excelled as a running back in college and the NFL, and he continued running away from the consequences of his actions. He never took responsibility for his actions.
O.J. needs to be held accountable
April 29, 2024
courtesy Tribune Content Agency
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Angele Cotrese Heggler • Apr 29, 2024 at 4:32 pm
I appreciate your perspective and emotions regarding OJ and his life choices. Personally, I refrain from forming an opinion on whether he committed the murders or not. However, suggesting that he does not deserve any sympathy may be better expressed as “he does not deserve ‘your’ sympathy.” This is because, despite how one may perceive him, there are individuals such as his family and friends who continue to care for him. If one were to find themselves in a situation where they committed a crime or went against their parents’ wishes, would they hold the same judgment towards themselves? As a society, we often rush to condemn others and assert what they do or do not deserve. However, we are not in a position to make such judgments. Everyone has the right to their feelings, especially concerning issues like domestic violence, which is a significant concern. It’s encouraging to witness efforts being made to combat it, and my sympathies extend to all families affected by domestic abuse. With the passing of the individual in question, dwelling on his demise serves no constructive purpose. He is no longer subject to earthly judgment. Now is the time to shift our focus towards improving circumstances from this point forward. Let us use this, along with other cases and situations unknown to the public, as a foundation upon which to build progress. Continuing to dwell on his demise will not lead to any resolution.