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

Michael Irvin Speaks Out: Is Brian Schottenheimer Enough of a ‘Miracle’ to Save the Cowboys?

TMZSports.com Forget about a new left tackle and some improved QB play … Michael Irvin says Brian Schottenheimer ‘s going to need some holy water and crucifixes to turn around the Cowboys — telling TMZ Sports he’s convinced the only way the new head …

Read more

“My Heart”: Ciara Wilson Reacts to Heartwarming Visuals of Russell Wilson Taking Daughter Sienna For the First Ever Daddy

NFL superstar Russell Wilson is known for being a family man. While his stint thus far with the Denver Broncos has been plagued by controversies, the man seems to have found solace in his family life. Russell, who is married to gorgeous singer Ciara Wilson, …

Read more

“Daddy’s a Girl”: Russell Wilson’s Little Princess Dresses Him Up Like a Girl as Mom Ciara Captures the Wholesome Father-Daughter Moment

Football players are very busy during the season. With practice, traveling for games, and other things, not everyone has the time and the energy to meet and spend time with family. However, for all those who are not able t do just that, the offseason …

Read more

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson admires Ciara’s casual outfit with a football quote.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback loves his wife’s fire fit and has to drop some emojis. Russell Wilson, Ciara attend the 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill. Russell Wilson is known to swoon over his wife Ciara’s fits. She’s certainly …

Read more

Russell Wilson loves one ‘sexy’ feature of Ciara after she gave birth to baby Amora.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback gives a little TMI about his famous wife. Feb. 19, 2019: Ciara and Russell Wilson attend a Pre-GRAMMY Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Russell Wilson and Ciara couldn’t be more in love. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback …

Read more

The NFL’s new power couple? Jalen Hurts shares a romantic moment with fiancee Bry Burrows on the field

By ERIC BLUM Published: 05:57 GMT, 10 February 2025 | Updated: 13:04 GMT, 10 February 2025 Moments after officially becoming a Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found his fiancee, Bry Burrows, for a romantic moment in the …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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