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

How a Broadway Designer’s Unique Touch Gives the Baltimore Ravens an Unbelievable Edge—And It’s Not What You’d Expect!

Lamar Jackson (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) The Baltimore Ravens were a team to be reckoned with in 2024 as they eased through the year despite a slow start. Their year is over now after being eliminated in the Divisional round. We are now finding …

Read more

Mark Andrews’ Girlfriend Sparks Buzz with Surprising Social Media Move Following Heartbreaking Playoff Exit—Fans Can’t Stop Speculating!

It seems Ravens tight end Mark Andrews’ girlfriend has taken a step back from social media after his nightmarish fourth quarter in Baltimore’s 27-25 loss to the Bills in the Divisional Round game last Sunday. The comments on Elena Yates’ Instagram page …

Read more

Russell Wilson’s 4-Word Message to Ciara After Daughter Sienna Steals the Spotlight With Steelers QB—Fans Can’t Stop Talking!

Russel Wilson appears to be in full zest of enjoying his special time with family before the season kicks off. The QB has one more month to give all his undivided…

Read more

Patrick Mahomes Opens Up About His Surprising Bedtime Habit That Leaves Wife Brittany Rolling Her Eyes—Fans Are Loving the Hilarious Confession!

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 29, revealed his annoying bedtime habit He explained why his wife, Brittany, hates it, but it’s not for the reason you think READ MORE: Kristin Juszczyk announces major new career move on Instagram By JANE HERZ FOR …

Read more

Taylor Swift Stuns Brittany and Patrick Mahomes with a Heartfelt ‘Handmade’ Gift for Baby Golden—Fans Can’t Stop Talking About It!

By VALERIA GARCIA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 00:39 GMT, 18 January 2025 | Updated: 03:58 GMT, 18 January 2025 Taylor Swift sweetly surprised her pals Brittany and Patrick Mahomes with a ‘handmade’ gift for the pair’s newborn baby girl, Golden Raye . …

Read more

Dallas Cowboys Star Trevon Diggs Shocks Fans with Surprise Surgery Announcement—What Does This Mean for His Future?

Dallas Cowboys star cornerback Trevon Diggs underwent a serious surgery on Thursday. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Diggs underwent chondral tissue graft surgery on his left knee and the surgery could keep…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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