Football icon OJ Simpson, acquitted in murder trial, dies at 76

Former American football icon, OJ Simpson, who gained notoriety for his involvement in a highly publicized murder trial in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family via social media.

The Simpson family released a statement on Thursday morning announcing the demise of the former sports personality, expressing gratitude for the support and urging privacy during their time of mourning.

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Simpson, fondly known as “The Juice,” rose to fame as a standout running back at the University of Southern California, later transitioning to a successful career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Buffalo Bills. His achievements included winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968.

However, Simpson’s life took a tumultuous turn when he was accused of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in 1994. The subsequent trial, dubbed the “trial of the century,” captivated audiences worldwide and concluded with Simpson’s acquittal in 1995, despite ongoing controversy and division among the public.

Despite his acquittal, Simpson’s involvement in a separate civil trial resulted in a verdict finding him liable for the deaths, leading to significant financial repercussions. Simpson was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the family members of Brown and Goldman.

In a later episode, Simpson faced legal troubles once again, this time involving the armed robbery of sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas. Despite Simpson’s claims of innocence, a jury found him guilty of armed robbery and related charges, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Imprisoned at age 61, he served nine years in a remote northern Nevada prison, wrote Al Jazeera.

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“I didn’t want to hurt anybody,” Simpson, donning a blue prison jumpsuit with shackles on his legs and wrists, said at his sentencing. “I didn’t know I was doing anything wrong.”

Throughout his life, Simpson remained a polarizing figure, with his story retold in documentaries and television dramatizations. His passing marks the end of a life filled with triumphs and controversies, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark debate.